Effect of Electroacupuncture on Indicators for Subjective and Objective Evaluations of Joint Function in Knee Osteoarthritis

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect of electroacupuncture on knee joint function in patients with knee osteoarthritis based on subjective and objective evaluation indicators. METHODS: 60 patients with knee osteoarthritis were randomly divided into electroacupuncture group and sham acupuncture group, with 30 cases in each group. The electroacupuncture group used Electroacupuncture was performed at 5 fixed acupoints and 3 allocated acupoints, and the sham acupuncture group was treated with sham electroacupuncture at non-acupoint shallow pricking. Observe the timed up-and-walk test (TUG) and knee joint activity in both groups before and after treatment and at 8 and 18 weeks after treatment. Maximum flexion range of motion (AROM), passive maximum knee flexion range of motion (PROM), quadriceps strength (extensor strength), 9-step stair climbing test (9-SCT), Lequesne index and biceps femoris Changes in muscle strength (flexor muscle strength) of semitendinosus, semitendinosus, and semimembranosus muscles, and compare the effective response rates of the two groups. RESULTS: Through intention-to-treat analysis and protocol set analysis, the effective response rate of the electroacupuncture group was higher There was a significant increase in the sham acupuncture group (P=0.010, P=0.018). Compared with the sham acupuncture group, the TUG and Lequesne index in the electroacupuncture group were significantly reduced after treatment (P<0.05), and AROM, PROM, and extensor muscle strength were significantly increased. (P<0.01, P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Compared with sham acupuncture, electroacupuncture has obvious advantages in improving joint functions such as increasing walking speed, maintaining gait balance, expanding joint mobility, and improving quadriceps muscle strength. , but there was no significant effect on the walking speed up and down stairs and the strength of the flexor muscles.