Acupuncture in the relief of osteomuscular pain and improvement of functionality in older adults: a quasi-experimental study

Abstract

Objective To assess the effects of acupuncture on the relief of osteomuscular pain in older adults and the potential improvement in functionality for activities of daily living. Method A quasi-experimental study, with pre- and post-intervention assessment using the Visual Analog Scale and the Katz Index. Convenience sample comprising 31 older adults. The intervention period consisted of four weekly treatment sessions. Acupuncture intervention targeted a systemic treatment protocol utilizing five pairs of acupoints: LI4 (Hegu), LIV3 (Taichong), ST36 (Zusanli), PC6 (Neiguan), and SP6 (Sanyinjiao). Results 100% (31) reported experiencing pain, with 64.52% (20) reporting moderate pain (3-7), 25.81% (8) reporting severe pain (8-10), and 9.68% (3) reporting mild pain (0-2). The treatment protocol demonstrated positive outcomes after 4 sessions, with a reduction of pain to a mild degree and an overall average score reduced below 2. The analysis of results from the Visual Analog Scale and the Katz Index showed potential for the use of acupuncture in relieving osteomuscular pain and improving the functionality of the older adult. Conclusion The use of systemic acupuncture techniques yielded satisfactory results in the relief of osteomuscular pain and the enhancement of functionality for activities of daily living of the older adult.