Efficacy of Intensive Acupuncture Versus Sham Acupuncture in Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Objective. To assess the efficacy of intensive acupuncture (3 times weekly for 8 weeks) versus sham acupuncture for knee osteoarthritis (OA). Methods. In this multicenter, randomized, sham-controlled trial, patients with knee OA were randomly assigned to receive electroacupuncture (EA), manual acupuncture (MA), or sham acupuncture (SA) 3 times weekly for 8 weeks. Participants, outcome assessors, and statisticians were blinded with regard to treatment group assignment. The primary outcome measure was response rate, which is the proportion of participants who simultaneously achieved minimal clinically important improvement in pain and function by week 8. The primary analysis was conducted using a Z test for proportions in the modified intent-to-treat population, which included all randomized participants who had ≥1 post-baseline measurement. Results. Of the 480 participants recruited in the trial, 442 were evaluated for efficacy. The response rates at week 8 were 60.3% (91 of 151), 58.6% (85 of 145), and 47.3% (69 of 146) in the EA, MA, and SA groups, respectively. The between-group differences were 13.0% (97.5% confidence interval [97.5% CI] 0.2%, 25.9%; P = 0.0234) for EA versus SA and 11.3% (97.5% CI −1.6%, 24.4%; P = 0.0507) for MA versus SA. The response rates in the EA and MA groups were both significantly higher than those in the SA group at weeks 16 and 26. Conclusion. Among patients with knee OA, intensive EA resulted in less pain and better function at week 8, compared with SA, and these effects persisted though week 26. Intensive MA had no benefit for knee OA at week 8, although it showed benefits during follow-up.

Research Trends from 2010 to 2020 for Pain Treatment with Acupuncture: A Bibliometric Analysis

“…For example, Tu et al assessed the efficacy of intensive acupuncture (3 times weekly for 8 weeks) versus sham acupuncture for knee osteoarthritis (KOA) in 2020, based on their previous discussion of the efficacy of acupuncture at different frequencies in the treatment of KOA. 19 …”

“…For example, Tu et al assessed the efficacy of intensive acupuncture (3 times weekly for 8 weeks) versus sham acupuncture for knee osteoarthritis (KOA) in 2020, based on their previous discussion of the efficacy of acupuncture at different frequencies in the treatment of KOA. 19 Through analysing the keyword, research frontiers could be identified. Consistent with previous reports, "low back pain" in the current study is the most common pain disorder that uses acupuncture as an intervention.…”

Who Has the Final Say on the Dose of Acupuncture? Comment on the Article by Tu et al

“…In their study, Tu et al showed that electroacupuncture (EA), but not manual acupuncture (MA), is superior to sham acupuncture (SA) (38 weeks) in reducing pain and improving function for patients with knee osteoarthritis (1). The trial also clearly demonstrated a potential dose effect of acupuncture.…”

Role of Acupuncture in the Treatment of COPD: An Overview of Systematic Reviews

“…Acupuncture is an important component of traditional Chinese medical (TCM) and an effective alternative therapy that is used to prevent and treat many diseases, including respiratory diseases. [8][9][10] Proponents argue that acupuncture is effective at relieving symptoms and improving quality of life and activity endurance, and it is associated with fewer adverse effects than conventional approaches used to treat COPD. 11 In recent years, with the increasing number of clinical studies [12][13][14] on acupuncture treatment of COPD, a certain number of systematic reviews (SRs) [15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23] have been published to provide corresponding evidence supporting clinical decision-making.…”