Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 17, 2026
Author Spotlight: Fu's Subcutaneous Needling for Knee Osteoarthritis Pain
Published on: March 24, 2023
Acupuncture at Myofascial Trigger Points Versus Conventional Acupuncture for Knee Osteoarthritis: A Protocol for a
Chao Zhang1,2, Hongfei Xue1,2, Jiankang Xu1,2
1Orthopedics Department, The First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, People's Republic of China.
Background:
Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a prevalent degenerative joint disease that significantly impacts pain and mobility. Acupuncture targeting Myofascial Trigger Points (MTrPs), guided by the "pain as acupoint" strategy, has been proposed as a more precise intervention approach.
Objective:
This study aims to compare the efficacy of MTrP acupuncture versus conventional acupuncture in patients with early- to mid-stage KOA.
Methods:
In this assessor-blinded randomized controlled trial, 106 KOA patients (Kellgren-Lawrence grade II/III) will be randomly assigned (1:1) to receive either conventional meridian-based acupuncture (Group A) or acupuncture targeting both meridian points and MTrPs (Group B). Both groups will receive treatment five times weekly for two weeks. The primary outcome is the response rate, defined as a ≥2-point reduction in VAS and ≥6-point improvement in WOMAC function score. Secondary outcomes include pressure pain threshold (PPT), three-dimensional gait analysis, and patient acceptability.
Results:
This study is expected to demonstrate whether MTrP acupuncture provides superior pain relief and functional improvement compared to conventional acupuncture.
Conclusion:
Findings will contribute novel clinical evidence for optimizing individualized acupuncture strategies in the management of KOA.
Trial Registration:
ChiCTR, ChiCTR2300073707, Registered on July 19, 2023.
