Evaluating Acupuncture for Knee Osteoarthritis A Randomized Trial on Effectiveness and Safety

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the effects and safety of acupuncture for treating knee osteoarthritis KOA, a common joint disease with limited effective treatments. This study uses a single-blind, randomized controlled trial design involving 350 patients to provide strong evidence on acupunctures impact compared to sham acupuncture for KOA symptoms and mental health. Participants are randomly assigned to one of two groups the acupuncture group receiving real needling at specific acupoints, and the sham acupuncture group receiving a simulated treatment with a device that mimics needling without penetrating the skin. Both groups undergo 24 treatment sessions over eight weeks, with treatments performed by experienced licensed acupuncturists following standardized procedures. During the study, participants will be assessed multiple times up to 24 weeks after starting treatment using measures like the Numerical Rating Scale for pain, WOMAC index, walking tests, and mental health questionnaires. Researchers will monitor safety by recording any adverse events. The trial includes follow-up assessments at weeks 4, 8, 16, and 24 to evaluate changes in pain, function, mental health, sleep quality, and pain self-efficacy.

Clinical Study of Acupuncture Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis