[Electroacupuncture on motor function in patients with primary osteoporosis: a randomized controlled trial]

Area of Science:

• Integrative and Complementary Medicine
• Orthopedics and Musculoskeletal Health
• Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy

Background:

• Primary osteoporosis (POP) is a common condition characterized by reduced bone density and increased fracture risk.
• Motor dysfunction and compromised muscle state are significant contributors to falls and reduced quality of life in POP patients.
• Current management often involves pharmacological interventions and lifestyle adjustments, but adjunctive therapies are being explored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of electroacupuncture as an adjunct therapy for primary osteoporosis (POP).
• To assess the impact of electroacupuncture on motor function, specifically timed up-and-go test (TUGT) and 10-meter maximal walking speed (10 m MWS).
• To investigate the effects of electroacupuncture on the muscle state, measured by Young's modulus of multifidus muscles using shear wave elastography (SWE).

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial involving 60 female patients with POP.
• Participants were assigned to a control group (caltrate and lifestyle adjustment) or an observation group (caltrate, lifestyle adjustment, and electroacupuncture).
• Electroacupuncture was applied to specific acupoints (e.g., ST 36, GB 34) with a disperse-dense wave (2 Hz/10 Hz) three times weekly for four weeks. Motor function and multifidus muscle Young's modulus were measured pre- and post-treatment.

Main Results:

• The observation group showed a significant decrease in TUGT time (P<0.01) and a significant increase in 10 m MWS (P<0.05) compared to baseline.
• Electroacupuncture treatment led to a significant increase in multifidus muscle Young's modulus in both prone and sitting positions (P<0.01).
• The observation group demonstrated superior improvements in TUGT, 10 m MWS, and multifidus muscle stiffness compared to the control group (P<0.01, P<0.05).

Conclusions:

• Electroacupuncture, when used as an adjunct to oral caltrate and lifestyle adjustments, effectively improves motor function in patients with primary osteoporosis.
• The therapy also enhances the muscle state, specifically increasing the stiffness of the multifidus muscles, as indicated by Young's modulus.
• Electroacupuncture represents a viable therapeutic option for improving functional outcomes and muscle health in individuals with POP.