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Effect of laser moxibustion for knee osteoarthritis: a multi-site double-blind randomized controlled trial
Zhao L, Cheng K, Wu F, Du J, Chen Y, Tan MT, Lao L, Shen X
The Journal of Rheumatology 2021 Jun;48(6):924-932
clinical trial
9/10 [Eligibility criteria: Yes; Random allocation: Yes; Concealed allocation: Yes; Baseline comparability: Yes; Blind subjects: Yes; Blind therapists: Yes; Blind assessors: Yes; Adequate follow-up: Yes; Intention-to-treat analysis: No; Between-group comparisons: Yes; Point estimates and variability: Yes. Note: Eligibility criteria item does not contribute to total score] *This score has been confirmed*

OBJECTIVE: To examine the effects of laser moxibustion on pain and function in patients with knee osteoarthritis. METHODS: A double-blind randomized clinical trial (4-week treatment, 20-week follow-up) was conducted. A total of 392 symptomatic knee osteoarthritis patients with moderate or greater clinically significant knee pain were randomly assigned to laser treatment or sham laser control group (1:1). Twelve sessions of laser moxibustion treatments or sham on the acupuncture points at the affected knee(s) were performed three times a week for 4 weeks. The primary outcome measurement was change in WOMAC pain score from baseline to week 4. RESULTS: Among the 392 randomized participants, 364 (92.86%) completed the trial. The median WOMAC pain score significantly decreased at week 4 in the active group than in the sham group (2.1; 95% CI 1.6 to 2.6; p < 0.01). At week 24, compared to the sham laser, active laser treatment resulted in significant pain reduction and function improvement (3.0; 95% CI 2.5 to 3.6; p < 0.01, and 14.8; 95% CI 11.9 to 17.6; p < 0.01, respectively). The physical component of the quality of life significantly improved in the active group than in the sham control at week 4 (3.2; 95% CI 1.3 to 5.0; p = 0.001) up to week 24 (5.1; 95% CI 3.3 to 7.0; p < 0.001). No serious adverse effects were reported. CONCLUSION: Laser moxibustion resulted in statistically and clinically significant pain reduction and function improvement following a 4-week treatment in patients with knee osteoarthritis.

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