Objective:To study the efficacy of acupuncture combined with Tuina(Chinese therapeutic massage)compared to acupuncture alone and sham acupuncture in aspects of symptom control and mobility functions in farmers suffering from knee osteoarthrosis(KOA).Methods:Individuals enrolled at a community hospital in Thailand were extended invitations to take part in the research project.Those who volunteered provided informed consent and were then randomly assigned to one of three groups,namely the combined group,the acupuncture group,and the control group.Thirty-four cases in the combined group received acupuncture and Tuina treatments;32 cases in the acupuncture group received acupuncture alone;and 30 cases in the control group received sham acupuncture intervention.Each group underwent therapeutic sessions once daily for 10 d.As the main outcome measured,the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities osteoarthritis index(WOMAC)was used to assess pain,stiffness,and function.The secondary outcomes included movement angles measured with a goniometer and balance function evaluated by the timed up and go test.Results:A total of 96 patients were analyzed.After the intervention,WOMAC total score and pain,stiffness,and function scores were significantly reduced and the joint range of motion was improved in both the combined group and the acupuncture group when compared to the control group(P<0.05);there were no significant differences between the combined group and the acupuncture group.Compared to the acupuncture group,a lowered balance score was observed in the combined group(P<0.05).Conclusion:After once-daily interventions for 10 consecutive days in KOA patients,both the combination of acupuncture and Tuina and acupuncture alone proved effective in alleviating pain and improving the range of motion compared to the control group.

Objective:To study the efficacy of acupuncture combined with Tuina(Chinese therapeutic massage)compared to acupuncture alone and sham acupuncture in aspects of symptom control and mobility functions in farmers suffering from knee osteoarthrosis(KOA).Methods:Individuals enrolled at a community hospital in Thailand were extended invitations to take part in the research project.Those who volunteered provided informed consent and were then randomly assigned to one of three groups,namely the combined group,the acupuncture group,and the control group.Thirty-four cases in the combined group received acupuncture and Tuina treatments;32 cases in the acupuncture group received acupuncture alone;and 30 cases in the control group received sham acupuncture intervention.Each group underwent therapeutic sessions once daily for 10 d.As the main outcome measured,the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities osteoarthritis index(WOMAC)was used to assess pain,stiffness,and function.The secondary outcomes included movement angles measured with a goniometer and balance function evaluated by the timed up and go test.Results:A total of 96 patients were analyzed.After the intervention,WOMAC total score and pain,stiffness,and function scores were significantly reduced and the joint range of motion was improved in both the combined group and the acupuncture group when compared to the control group(P<0.05);there were no significant differences between the combined group and the acupuncture group.Compared to the acupuncture group,a lowered balance score was observed in the combined group(P<0.05).Conclusion:After once-daily interventions for 10 consecutive days in KOA patients,both the combination of acupuncture and Tuina and acupuncture alone proved effective in alleviating pain and improving the range of motion compared to the control group.

Objective: To compare the efficacy of acupuncture at TUNG's extra points and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) points for elderly patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP) in Thailand. Methods: A single-blinded, randomized controlled trial with 84 elderly volunteers with CLBP was designed. The patients were randomly assigned either to the group getting acupuncture at TUNG's extra points or to the group getting acupuncture at TCM points. The treatment period was 30 min per session for seven consecutive days. Before and after treatment, the score of the numeric rating scale (NRS), the back range of motion (BROM), and the back strength were measured and compared. Results: After treatment, both groups were found with decreased NRS scores and increased BROM (P<0.05), but with no statistical difference in their back strength in comparison with that before treatment in the same group (P>0.05). Regarding the between-group comparisons, no significant differences were found in the NRS score or BROM in the direction of forward flexion and right lateral flexion or the back strength after treatment (P>0.05). However, statistical differences were found in the BROM in directions of back extension (P<0.01) and left lateral flexion (P<0.05). Conclusion: Acupuncture at TUNG's extra points can decrease the low back pain NRS score and increase the back strength and the BROM in directions of forward flexion and right lateral flexion, equivalent to acupuncture at TCM points. Acupuncture at TCM points has a better effect in increasing the BROM in directions of back extension and left lateral flexion; acupuncture at TUNG's extra points is suitable for elderly CLBP patients, and it should be supported and promoted.