Pain Reduction After Laser Acupuncture Treatment in Geriatric Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis: a Randomized Controlled Trial
ABSTRACT: to compare the
effectiveness of active laser acupuncture with placebo on reducing pain
intensity and improving functional outcome in geriatric patients with knee
osteoarthritis (OA). Methods: a double-blind randomized controlled trial was
conducted in geriatrics with knee OA at Medical Acupuncture Outpatient Clinic,
Integrated Geriatric Outpatient Clinic, Rheumatology Outpatient Clinic of Cipto
Mangunkusumo Hospital, Jakarta, during May to October 2015. Sixty two patients
with knee OA were randomly assigned into two groups: active laser acupuncture
group or placebo laser acupuncture group. Interventions were carried out using
a gallium aluminum arsenide laser device at the ST35 Dubi, ST36 Zusanli, SP9
Yinlingquan, GB34 Yanglingquan and EX - LE - 4 Neixiyan acupuncture points on
the affected knee for ten sessions of treatment, i.e. twice a week. Patients
were assessed using a visual analogue scale (VAS) and Lequesne index at
baseline, after four sessions, after nine sessions and at 2 weeks after the
treatment had been stopped. Results: the VAS scores were signifcantly improved
in the active laser acupuncture group compared to the placebo group. The evaluation
of VAS scores was carried out after four treatment sessions (mean difference:
0.39; p<0.001), after nine treatment sessions (mean difference: 37.48;
p<0.001) and at 2 weeks post intervention (mean difference: 39.15;
p<0.001). The evaluation also showed signifcant improvement of Lequesne
index after four treatment sessions (mean difference: 4.68; p<0.001), after
nine treatment sessions (mean difference: 5.90; p<0.001) and at 2 weeks post
intervention (mean difference: 6.48; p<0.001). Conclusion: active laser
acupuncture is effective in reducing pain.
Author: Dwi R. Helianthi,
Christina Simadibrata, Adiningsih Srilestari, Edy R. Wahyudi, Rudy Hidayat
Journal Code: jpkedokterangg160002