Validating a nonacupoint sham control for laser treatment of knee osteoarthritis

Photomed Laser Surg. 2010 Jun;28(3):351-6. doi: 10.1089/pho.2009.2511.

Abstract

Objective: The goals of the present study were to evaluate the effect and safety of combined 10.6 microm and 650 nm laser acupuncture-moxibustion on patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA) and to validate a nonacupoint sham control for assessing the effect of point specificity on the treatment.

Materials and methods: A randomized, sham-controlled clinical trial was conducted in an outpatient clinical setting on patients with knee OA (n = 40). Laser irradiation was performed on acupoint Dubi (ST35) and a sham point three times a week for 4 wk. Outcome measurements were performed at baseline and at wk 2 and 4 using Western Ontario and McMaster Universities' Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC).

Results: At the 2-wk assessment, i.e., after 6 treatments, improvement in the WOMAC pain score of the acupoint group was significantly greater than that of the control group (49.21% vs. 11.99%, respectively; p = 0.021). However, there were no significant differences between the two groups in the WOMAC physical function score (p = 0.129) or joint stiffness score (p = 0.705). No side effects were found during the trial.

Conclusions: Combined 10.6-mum-650-nm laser acupuncture-moxibustion on acupoint ST35 is safe to use and was effective after 2-wk treatment, but not at the 4-wk assessment, in relieving knee OA pain compared to a nonacupoint sham control. A larger clinical trial to verify our findings is warranted.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Validation Study

MeSH terms

  • Acupuncture Therapy*
  • Aged
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Intention to Treat Analysis
  • Laser Therapy / methods*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Moxibustion*
  • Osteoarthritis, Knee / therapy*
  • Recovery of Function