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Auricular Acupuncture in Older Women With Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Maria Elsi Alves de Paula1, Cássia Regina Vancini Campanharo2, Carla Roberta Monteiro Miura2
1Unidade de Referência da Saúde da Pessoa Idosa, Capela do Socorro, São Paulo, Brasil.
Purpose:
To evaluate the effects of AA on pain intensity, functional capacity, and depressive symptoms in older women with knee osteoarthritis.
Design:
In this parallel, open-label randomized clinical trial.
Methods:
100 women aged ≥60 years with chronic knee pain were randomized to receive AA (n = 50) or sham auricular stimulation at a neutral point (n = 50), once weekly for 10 weeks. The primary outcome was pain intensity (Numeric Pain Rating Scale). Secondary outcomes were functional capacity (Katz Index and Lawton-Brody Scale) and depressive symptoms (15-item Geriatric Depression Scale). Data were analyzed using Generalized Estimating Equations.
Results:
Sixty-five participants completed follow-up. Compared with the control group, the AA group showed greater reductions in pain intensity (p < .0001), improved independence in basic activities of daily living (p = .0050), and decreased depressive symptoms (p = .0417). No differences were observed in instrumental activities of daily living (p = .8728). No adverse events were reported.
Conclusion:
Auricular acupuncture significantly reduced pain and depressive symptoms and improved independence in older women with knee osteoarthritis.
Clinical Implications:
These findings support the safe integration of AA into comprehensive geriatric pain management.
