Manual Acupuncture at LI11, Local Points and Both for Knee Osteoarthritis: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Objective

Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a common chronic degenerative joint disease, and acupuncture is an alternative therapy for KOA. This study aims to detect the effectiveness of acupuncture at LI11 in improving pain and function for KOA patients.

Methods

A total of 108 patients with KOA were randomly allocated to Control Group (local points), Treatment Group A (LI11), and Treatment Group B (local points and LI11) with a treatment phase of 4 weeks and a follow-up phase of 4 weeks. Primary outcome was response rate. Secondary outcomes included Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), and recurrence rate. Study was registered on Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (Registered number: ChiCTR2000034926).

Results

The response rate in Treatment Group A, Treatment Group B, and Control Group was 71.43%, 85.29%, and 51.53%, respectively, at Week 4, and Treatment Group B was significantly higher than Control Group (difference[98.3% CI]: 33.86[0.135,0.543], P = 0.003). Although no significant difference was found, Treatment Group A had a better response rate compared with Control Group (difference[98.3% CI]: 20.00 [−0.072, 0.472], P = 0.086). For VAS and WOMAC, there were significant differences within 3 groups at Week 4 compared with the baseline. There was a significant improvement in VAS scores and WOMAC function and pain subscales at Week 4 in Treatment Group B compared with Control Group and Treatment Group A.

Conclusion

LI11 is an effective point for patients with KOA, and it could be a selection for young acupuncturists and acupuncturists who work in rural areas; however, large-sample studies are necessary to further verify results in the future.

Keywords:

• knee osteoarthritis
• manual acupuncture
• Quchi
• LI11
• pilot randomized controlled trial

Data Sharing Statement

The research team will preserve the original paper-version CRFs in a locked cabinet at Peking University Third Hospital Yanqing Hospital for at least 5 years after publication of study results. The trial database is anonymized, and all data related to the study can be accessible from the corresponding author with appropriate reasons.

Acknowledgments

We would like to give thanks to all the participants.

This work was supported by the capital health research and development of special (No. 2020-3-7161).

Disclosure

The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.