To compare the clinical efficacy of acupuncture, electroacupuncture (EA) and moxibustion in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis (KOA).
A total of eight-four patients with KOA were randomly and equally divided into acupuncture group, EA group and moxibustion group. Neixiyan (EX-LE40), Dubi (ST35), Heding (EX-LE2), Liangqiu (ST34), Xuehai (SP10), Zusanli (ST36) and Ashi-point on the affected side of the body were punctured with filiform needles or EA (2 Hz/100 Hz) for 30 min. In the moxibustion group, moxibustion was applied to the surrounding area of the affected joint for 60 min. The treatment was conducted once every other day for 4 weeks. The pain degree was assessed by using numerical rating scale (NRS) and the Western Ontario McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) scale (0－240 points) was used to evaluate the severity of KOA. The "Minimal Clinically Important Improvement (MCII)" was used to assess the therapeutic effect after the treatment.
After the treatment, the scores of NRS, and the pain, stiffness, motor function and total scores of WOMAC were significantly decreased in the three groups compared with their own pre-treatment (
All the three different kinds of acupuncture and moxibustion methods have positively regulatory effect on KOA, and moxibustion is the best for reducing the joint pain and stiffness, and improving the motor function.