A randomized controlled trial on the effect of focal thermal therapy at acupressure points treating osteoarthritis of the knee

Kevin Ki-Wai Ho, Anthony Wai-Leung Kwok, Wai-Wang Chau, S M Xia, Y L Wang, Jack Chun-Yiu Cheng, Kevin Ki-Wai Ho, Anthony Wai-Leung Kwok, Wai-Wang Chau, S M Xia, Y L Wang, Jack Chun-Yiu Cheng

Abstract

Background: Osteoarthritis of the knee is a common degenerative joint disorder in our ageing population. A combination of thermal therapy with a self-management exercise have shown a positive effect in the management of osteoarthritis of the knee. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of topical heat pack versus focal application of heat therapy at the acupressure points in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee.

Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted in 76 patients with osteoarthritis of the knee, diagnosed by an experienced orthopedic surgeon. Following inclusion and exclusion selection, patients were randomly allocated to group 1 (Heat pack) or group 2 (Thermal gun). All patients received 30 min of treatment in each session, twice a week for 4 weeks. They also received an education program and taught home knee exercises. Outcome measurements were the visual analog scale (VAS) for pain intensity, muscle power, knee ROM, WOMAC and SF-12v2.

Results: In the Thermal gun group, function and total scores (WOMAC) and Physical Composite Scale (SF-12v2) were significantly improved after 8 sessions. Quadriceps strength was significantly improved after 8 weeks (from 4.42 to 4.63; p = 0.02). In the Heat pack group, flexion was significantly improved after 8 sessions (p = 0.02). Mean VAS scores after Heat pack treatment was consistently better (lower) than mean VAS scores after Thermal gun treatment.

Conclusion: The combination of focal thermal therapy at acupressure points is a viable conservative treatment in osteoarthritis of the knee. The pressure at the acupressure points has a synergistic benefit than topical thermal therapy alone.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov , NCT04735029 Date of registration: February 2, 2021 (Retrospectively registered).

Keywords: Acupressure; Knee osteoarthritis; Randomized controlled trial.

Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
The summary of the study recruitment
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Acupressure points around the knee. On the medial side, acupuncture points are SP10 and EX-LE4. On the lateral side, acupuncture points are ST34 and ST35
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
The workflow of the study
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
The intergroup change of WOMAC
Fig. 5
Fig. 5
Longitudinal VAS scores obtained after each session from patients treated by either thermal gun or heat pack

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Source: PubMed

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