CO Laser Moxibustion for Knee Osteoarthritis: Study Protocol for A Multicenter, Double-blind, Randomized Controlled Trial.
10.1007/s11655-019-2714-6
- Author:
Meng-Hu GUO
1
;
Ling ZHAO
1
;
Fan WU
1
;
Jiong DU
2
;
Chen-Huan DING
3
;
Jing-Hua GE
4
;
Ming T TAN
5
;
Li-Xing LAO
6
;
Xue-Yong SHEN
1
;
Ke CHENG
7
Author Information
1. School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China.
2. Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200021, China.
3. Renji Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, 200127, China.
4. Shanghai Changning Tianshan Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Shanghai, 200051, China.
5. Department of Biostatistics, Bioinformatics and Biomathematics, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, D.C., 20057, USA.
6. School of Chinese Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.
7. School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China. cheng_ker@hotmail.com.
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Chinese medicine;
knee osteoarthritis;
laser moxibustion;
pain;
randomized controlled trial
- From:
Chinese journal of integrative medicine
2020;26(8):568-576
- CountryChina
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
BACKGROUND:Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a major cause of disability among the older adults. Few treatments are safe and effective. Moxibustion is commonly used in treating knee OA in Chinese medicine (CM). CO Laser moxibustion device is a substitute for traditional moxibustion, which mimics the effects of traditional moxibustion. More data are needed to support its application in knee OA.
OBJECTIVE:ObjectiveThe trial aims to assess the effect and safety of CO laser moxibustion in patients with knee osteoarthritis compared with a sham control.
METHODS:This is a protocol for a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. A total of 392 participants were recruited and assigned to the CO laser moxibustion group and sham laser moxibustion group with a 1:1 ratio at 6 outpatient clinics in Shanghai, China. Participants in both groups received treatment at the affected knee(s) at the acupuncture point Dubi (ST 35) and an Ashi point. There were 3 sessions per week for 4 weeks, and an additional 20-week follow-up. Primary outcomes were changes in the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) pain scores at week 4. Secondary outcomes were WOMAC function score, stiffness score and overall score, VAS pain, Short-Form heath survey (SF-36), and patients' global assessment. The serum levels of cytokines involved in progress of knee OA were explored. Safety was assessed during the whole trial. Masking effectiveness was assessed by both participants and treatment providers.This is a protocol for a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. A total of 392 participants were recruited and assigned to the CO laser moxibustion group and sham laser moxibustion group with a 1:1 ratio at 6 outpatient clinics in Shanghai, China. Participants in both groups received treatment at the affected knee(s) at the acupuncture point Dubi (ST 35) and an Ashi point. There were 3 sessions per week for 4 weeks, and an additional 20-week follow-up. Primary outcomes were changes in the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) pain scores at week 4. Secondary outcomes were WOMAC function score, stiffness score and overall score, VAS pain, Short-Form heath survey (SF-36), and patients' global assessment. The serum levels of cytokines involved in progress of knee OA were explored. Safety was assessed during the whole trial. Masking effectiveness was assessed by both participants and treatment providers.
DISCUSSION:CO laser moxibustion device, designed as a substitute for CM moxibustion, is easy to use and control with no choking smoke and smell, and is a plausible method for double-blind research. This study would provide rigorous evidence for the effect and safety of CO laser moxibustion in treating knee OA (Trial registration No.: ISRCTN15030019).
