Combination of Curcuminoids and Acupressure for Inflammation and Pain in Older People with Osteoarthritis Genu: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND: Curcuminoids and acupressure have beneficial effects in reducing pain and inflammation in patients with Osteoarthritis. However, only a few clinical trials are investigating biomarkers to prove this objectively. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of acupressure and curcuminoids to inflammatory markers and pain in elderly with Osteoarthritis Genu. METHODS: Randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted among elderly with Osteoarthritis. All participants were randomized to divided into the group with 30 mg curcuminoids from turmeric extract capsules and acupressure (group 1) or the group with placebo and sham acupressure (group 2) for 3 weeks. RESULTS: The study was approved by the research ethics board and Clinical Trials.gov had reviewed this protocol. The extracts were manufactured from May 2023 to June 2023. Participant recruitment was conducted in September-October 2023, a total of 72 participants aged over 60 years had participated of whom 75.0% (n=54) were female. Data was analyzed in April of 2024, and dissemination of results by the end of 2024. CONCLUSIONS: Primary outcomes were assessed at baseline and after intervention and related to inflammatory markers, endorphin hormones, and cycloxygenase-2 hormone in the blood. Additionally, secondary outcomes included pain, ability to activity daily living, and quality of life. The beneficial effects that may be found in this trial can be exceptionally relevant in clinical practice, justifying this scientific question. The benefits of herbs and acupressure can be helpful to additional options in treating inflammation and pain in patients with Osteoarthritis. CLINICALTRIAL: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06105840 (https://classic.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT06105840).