Electroacupuncture versus exercise in patients with knee osteoarthritis: Study protocol for a randomized controlled...

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics and Rehabilitation
• Pain Management
• Evidence-Based Medicine

Background:

• Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a prevalent condition in middle-aged and older adults.
• Electroacupuncture and exercise are common conservative treatments for KOA.
• Limited data exists comparing the direct clinical effects and cost-effectiveness of these two interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate and compare the clinical effectiveness of electroacupuncture versus exercise in managing symptomatic knee osteoarthritis.
• To assess the cost-effectiveness of electroacupuncture compared to exercise for KOA patients.
• To provide evidence to aid clinical decision-making in KOA management.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial involving 196 KOA patients, allocated 1:1 to electroacupuncture (n=98) or exercise (n=98) groups.
• Electroacupuncture group received treatment 3x/week for 8 weeks; exercise group received neuromuscular training 2x/week for 8 weeks.
• Co-primary outcomes: Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) and Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) Activities of Daily Living (ADL) at 8 weeks.

Main Results:

• This section is to be filled once the study results are available.

Conclusions:

• The study is expected to elucidate differences between electroacupuncture and exercise for KOA.
• Findings will offer guidance for individualized treatment strategies in knee osteoarthritis management.
• Evidence generated will support informed clinical choices for KOA patients.