A Randomized Controlled Trial For Qihuang Needle Therapy In The Treatment Of Knee Osteoarthritis

ObjectiveKnee osteoarthritis(KOA)is a common disease diagnosed according to a loss of range of motion of the knee joint due to stiffness,swelling,and pain.As a non-pharmacy treatment,Qihuang needle therapy(QHNT)has been used to treat KOA for years.However,the evidence for the efficacy of QHNT is inconclusive.Therefore,the present trial aimed to report the safety and effectiveness of QHNT in patients with KOA.MethodsPatients with KOA were recruited at the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine,and randomly assigned to two groups: the QHNT group and the exercise group.All the patients followed the exercise prescription 3 times a week for 2 weeks.Additionally,the QHNT group treated 3 times in the first week with needling.The primary endpoint was the Western Ontario and Mc Master Universities Osteoarthritis Index(WOMAC).Knee perimeter,knee flexibility and foot axis angle were applied as secondary outcome measures.Patient safety was evaluated after each treatment session.Results1.There were 64 participants enrolled totally.In the QHNT group,1 case was removed,none were excluded,and 31 participants completed the trials.In the exercise group,1 case was removed,and 1 case was excluded,30 participants completed the trials.2.Baseline comparison: There were no statistical differences between QHNT group and exercise group at baseline,such as age,sex,course of diseases,affected side,severity,WOMAC scale scores,knee perimeter,knee flexibility and foot axis angle(P﹥0.05).3.Efficacy comparison:(1)WOMAC scale scores: After treatment and follow-up,the WOMAC scale scores were decreased in two groups(P﹤0.01).The QHNT group had a had a greater decrease than exercise group with significant difference(P﹤0.01).It showed that QHNT can effectively relieve pain,stiffness,and improve physical function.(2)Knee perimeter,knee flexibility and foot axis angle:After treatment the difference in knee perimeter,knee flexibility and foot axis angle were statistically different in each groups(P﹤0.05).And QHNT group showed great advantage in improving the joint function.(P<0.01).(3)Efficacy: After the treatment,16 cases were markedly improved,14 cases were effective,1 case was ineffective in the QHNT group,with the total effective rate of 96.8%.1 cases was markedly improved,23 cases were effective,6 cases were ineffective in the exercise group,with the total effective rate of 80.0%.The changes between two groups were statistically significant(P﹤0.05).4.Safety outcome: During the trial,no obvious adverse event or serious adverse event happened in QHNT group and exercise group.ConclusionBoth group has potential usefulness in the clinical assessment of KOA.QHNT works faster and more effectively by relieving pain and stiffness as well as reducing swelling,improving physical function and stability of walking.