Effectiveness of Acupuncture in Treatment for Knee Osteoarthritis in Geriatric Clinic
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Abstract
ABSTRACT
Background: Knee osteoarthritis is a common condition among the elderly, leading to pain and restricted mobility, which diminishes the quality of life. Acupuncture is a conservative, non-pharmacological treatment that is highly safe. However, there is currently a lack of clear guidelines for its application in the management. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of acupuncture for treating knee osteoarthritis by examining 1) improvements in osteoarthritis symptoms measured using the Modified WOMAC Scale and 2) reductions in the pain medication required. The results aimed to establish effective protocols in geriatric clinics.
Design: Single-group experimental study with pre-and post-treatment assessments
Methods: Acupuncture was performed at six standard points around the knee joint. A 30-minute session was conducted once a week for eight sessions. The severity of knee osteoarthritis was assessed using the Thai version of the Modified WOMAC scale after 4, 6, and 8 acupuncture sessions.
Results: Thirty-seven patients with knee osteoarthritis with an average age of 68.75 participated in the study. The majority (51.40%) had moderate knee osteoarthritis based on radiographic findings. After eight acupuncture sessions, the average total WOMAC score significantly decreased from baseline, indicating improvement. (mean = 108.59, SD = 30.50 pre-treatment and mean = 57.10, SD = 34.10 post-treatment; t = 7.5, p < 0.05). Additionally, patients reported a significant reduction in the average use of pain medications (mean = 1.21, SD = 1.08 pre-treatment and mean = 0.30, SD = 0.74 post-treatment; t = 5.794, p < 0.05).
Conclusions: Acupuncture applied once weekly over four to eight weeks, has been shown to significantly alleviate pain, stiffness, and limitations in knee movement in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Moreover, this treatment led to a marked reduction in the use of pain medication.
Keywords: acupuncture, osteoarthritis, elderly
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