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.