Combined Acupuncture Treatment Research Articles

The effectiveness of acupuncture as an adjunctive therapy to oral pharmacological medication in patient with knee osteoarthritis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

We aimed to find out whether the combined treatment of acupuncture and oral medication is more effective than sole oral medication in reducing pain and improving knee function at the end of treatment and after short-term period (4-6 weeks after treatment). Second, if it is effective, we investigated whether the effect surpasses the minimal clinically important difference. Articles published between January 1, 1992, and August 31, 2022, were searched in PubMed, Cochrane, and Embase. The PICO (population, intervention, comparison, and outcome) of this study are as follows: Population: knee osteoarthritis patients; Intervention: acupuncture (non-sham acupuncture) + oral medication (analgesic or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs); Comparison: oral medication (analgesic or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs); Outcome: visual analog scale (VAS) or Western Ontario and McMaster University (WOMAC) osteoarthritis index. The combined treatment of oral medication and adjuvant acupuncture showed statistically significant improvement in VAS and WOMAC scores at the end of acupuncture treatment and short-term follow-up time (between 4 and 6 weeks after acupuncture). In addition, the degree of improvement of VAS and WOMAC index showed effects beyond minimal clinically important differences compared to pretreatment at both the end of acupuncture treatment and the short-term follow-up of acupuncture treatment. The existing evidence suggests that adjuvant acupuncture may play a role in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis. However, physicians should be aware of adverse effects such as hematoma in adjuvant acupuncture treatment.

The effect of the combination of acupuncture and kinesiotherapy on upper cross syndrome based on mechanical balance principle – A randomized clinical trial: 浅析基于力学平衡原理针刺结合运动疗法治疗上交叉综合征疗效观察 -- 随机对照试验

ObjectiveTo observe the clinical effect of combined acupuncture and kinesiotherapy on upper cross syndrome (UCS) by a parallel randomized clinical trial. MethodsA total of 45 patients with UCS were recruited from the outpatients of Acupuncture-Moxibustion, Tuina and Rehabilitation Department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, the students of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine and the patients from the nearby communities in accordance with the inclusion criteria. Using the random number table method, they were divided into a combined treatment group (acupuncture plus kinesiotherapy, 23 cases) and a simple kinesiotherapy group (22 patients). Treatment for 4 weeks was one course, and two consecutive courses were required. The visual analog scale (VAS) score, the score of the assessment scale for cervical spondylosis, the value of surface electromyography (root mean square, RMS), and the cervical curvature value were used in the evaluation. The allocation scheme was concealed from the outcome assessors. ResultsThe data from 23 cases of the combined treatment group and 22 cases of the simple kinesiotherapy group were analyzed. Before treatment, the differences were not statistically significant in the general conditions, VAS score, assessment score of cervical spondylosis, cervical curvature value, and RMS in UCS patients between the two groups (all P > 0.05). After treatment, the VAS score was reduced compared with that before treatment in both groups (all P < 0.05). In two courses of treatment, the VAS score decreased as compared with that in one course of treatment in both groups (both P < 0.05), and the VAS score in the combined treatment group decreased more obviously after each course of treatment (both P < 0.05). The RMS decreased compared with that before treatment in each group (both P < 0.05), and the decrease in the combined treatment group was more obvious (P < 0.05). After treatment of each course, the assessment score was all increased as compared with that before treatment in two groups (all P < 0.05). In two courses of treatment, the assessment score was increased as compared with that in one course of treatment in both groups (both P < 0.05), and the score in the combined treatment group was increased more obviously in the two courses of treatment (P < 0.05). Regarding either the intra-group comparison or the inter-group comparison before and after treatment, the differences were not statistically significant (all P > 0.05), suggesting no obvious improvement of cervical curvature in the two courses of treatment in patients with UCS. However, cervical curvature tended to improve in the combined treatment group. The total effective rate was significantly different between the two groups (P < 0.05), indicating that the total effective rate in the combined treatment group was better than that in the simple kinesiotherapy group.No any adverse reactions occurred. ConclusionCombined treatment with acupuncture, kinesiotherapy, and kinesiotherapy alleviated pain, relieved the symptoms and physical signs, and improved the daily movement of the patients. However, the combined treatment of acupuncture and kinesiotherapy had a much better effect on UCS.

Investigation of combined treatment of acupuncture and neurofeedback for improving cognitive function in mild neurocognitive disorder: A randomized, assessor-blind, pilot study.

Background:Mild neurocognitive disorder (MND) is an intermediate state that can progress to dementia, and the cognitive reserve of MND is an important task in preventing dementia. Acupuncture and neurofeedback (NF) training have been used to improve cognitive function and treat MND or dementia, but their effectiveness remains controversial. In this trial, we will evaluate the efficacy and safety of combined NF-acupuncture treatment in comparison with single acupuncture treatment.Methods and design:This study is a randomized, assessor-blind, pilot trial. It is designed in accordance with the Standards for Reporting Interventions in Controlled Trials of Acupuncture. A total of 44 MND participants who meet the inclusion and exclusion criteria will be enrolled, and each will be randomly assigned to 1 of 2 groups of 22 subjects. Each subject will visit 24 times over 12 weeks and receive either acupuncture or NF-acupuncture combined treatment. At visit 25 (week 13), a follow-up evaluation will be performed, and then the investigator will analyze the results. The primary outcome is defined by the Korean version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment score from screening to visit 25. The secondary outcome includes the following: change in Alzheimer Disease Assessment Scale–Cognitive, the Korean version of the Beck Depression Inventory, Body Awareness Questionnaire, delayed matching to sample task scores, and functional near-infrared spectroscopy values, from visit 1 to visit 25; heart rate variability values from visit 1 to visit 5, visit 9, visit 13, visit 21, visit 25; breath per minute values from visit 1 to visit 1 to 25.Discussion:We will evaluate the effectiveness and safety of combined NF-acupuncture therapy, and expect that it will serve as the basis for the use of NF together with acupuncture in the clinical setting.Trial registration number:KCT0004972 (registered in Clinical Research Information Service of the Republic of Korea, https://cris.nih.go.kr/cris/search/detailSearch.do/16239)

Satisfaction level following combined treatment of acupuncture,moxibustion,and facial skincare

Satisfaction level following combined treatment of acupuncture,moxibustion,and facial skincare

Therapeutic effects of "kidney three-needle" therapy plus fire needling therapy in treatment of post-stroke urinary incontinence

To observe the efficacy of "kidney three-needle" therapy［Qugu（CV2） and 1 cun to the left and right of CV2］ and the pricking technique of fire needing therapy on urinary frequency and maximal bladder volume in potients with post-stroke urinary incontinence. A total of 60 patients with post-stroke urinary incontinence were collected according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria and were randomized into an observation group (30 cases) and a control group (30 cases). On the base of the routine medication and rehabilitation treatment, acupuncture was applied to the general acupoints for motor impairment and speech disorder in the two groups. Additionally, the combination of "kidney three-needle" therapy and the pricking technique of fire needling therapy was used for urinary incontinence in the observation group and the common acupuncture was applied in the control group. Needles were retained for 30 min and acupuncture was provided once daily, 5 days a weeks, 2 weeks of treatment as one course. Both groups were treated for 3 courses. Before and after treatment, the rank of daytime urinary frequency was compared in the patients of the two groups. Ultrasound B was adopted to determine the maximal bladder volume. The total effective rate was compared between the two groups. After treatment, the rank of daytime urinary frequency all reduced significantly as compared with that before treatment in the patients of the two groups (P<0.01)， and the observation group was lower than the control group (P<0.05). After the treatment, the maximal bladder volume increased significantly as compared with that before treatment in the self-comparison of each group (P<0.01) and the volume in the observation group was significantly higher than that in the control group (P<0.01). The total effective rate was 93.3% (28/30) in the observation group and was 66.7% (20/30) in the control group. The total effective rate in the observation group was higher obviously than that in the control group (P<0.05). The combination of "kidney three-needle" therapy and the pricking technique of fire needling therapy significantly reduces the rank of daytime urinary frequency and increases maximal bladder volume in the patients with post-stroke urinary incontinence. The therapeutic effect of such combined acupuncture treatment is better than the common acupuncture therapy.

Effect of combined treatment with acupuncture, moxibustion and medication on endometrial receptivity and expression of serum HOXA10 in polycystic ovary syndrome of kidney deficiency and blood stagnation

To compare the clinical effect of the combined treatment of acupuncture, moxibustion, Chinese herbal medicine and western medication and simple western medication on polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) of kidney deficiency and blood stagnation pattern and explore the effect on endometrial receptivity and the expression of serum homeobox gene A10 (HOXA10). A total of 60 patients with PCOS of kidney deficiency and blood stagnation pattern were randomized into a combined treatment group and a western medication group, 30 cases in each one. In the western medication group, on the fifth day of menstruation, clomiphene citrate tablets were taken orally, 50 mg each time, once daily, consecutively for 5 days. On the day when the follicle diameter was ≥ 18 mm, chorionic gonadotrophin for muscular injection, a dose of 10 000 U was given. Before sleep, the aspirin enteric-coated tablets were taken orally, 50 mg (except during menstruation). In the combined treatment group, on the base of the treatment as the western medication group, acupuncture and moxibustion were adopted and the Chinese herbal for tonifying the kidney and activating blood circulation was taken orally. The acupoints were Guanyuan (CV 4), Qihai (CV 6), Zusanli (ST 36), Sanyinjiao (SP 6), Zigong (EX-CA 1), etc. Acupuncture was remained for 30 min each time, once every two days and discontinued during menstruation. Chinese herbal was given from the 3rd day of menstruation till the onset of the next menstruation, one dose each day. After consecutive treatment for 3 menstrual cycles in the two groups, the real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) method was adopted to determine the expression of serum HOXA10 before and after treatment in the patients of the two groups. The endometrial thickness at ovulatory phase, uterine arterial flow 7 days after ovulation [including uterine arterial pulsatility index (PI), resistance index (RI), peak systolic velocity (PSV)/end diastolic velocity (EDV), meaning S/D], pregnancy rate and the score of Chinese medicine symptoms before and after treatment were compared in the patients between the two groups. ① After treatment, the expression of serum HOXA10 was higher than that before treatment in the patients of the two groups (P<0.01). The increase range in the combined treatment group was larger than the western medication group (P<0.01). ② After treatment, the endometrial thickness at the ovulatory phase was increased in the patients of the two groups (P<0.01). The increase range of the endometrial thickness in the combined treatment group was larger than the western medication group (P<0.01). ③ The pregnancy rate was 46.7% (14/30) in the combined treatment group, higher than 26.7% (8/30) in the western medication group (P<0.05). ④ After treatment, the bilateral uterine arterial PI, RI and S/D values, as well as TCM symptom score were all lower than those before treatment in the patients of the two groups (P<0.01). The decrease range of each index in the combined treatment group was greater than the western medication group (P<0.01, P<0.05). The combined treatment with acupuncture, moxibustion and medication effectively improves endometrial receptivity and uterine arterial flow in the patients with PCOS of kidney deficiency and blood stagnation pattern and increases pregnancy rate. The therapeutic effect is better than the simple western medication and its mechanism is probably related to the regulation of serum HOXA10 expression.

Two cases of corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) treated with the combination of acupuncture and medication in bedridden patients针药结合治疗新冠肺炎卧床患者2例

The paper reports the experiences in treatment of two cases of corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) with the combination of acupuncture and medication in bedridden patients confirmed in C7 Inpatient Ward, Wuhan Leishenshan Hospital, China. The combined treatment of acupuncture with the oral administration of “Shanghai leishen No.1 formula” was given every day. The prescription was modified weekly according the symptoms of the patients. Besides, the antivirus, anti-infectious and symptomatic treatment of western medicine was combined. Both of the two cases were improved and discharged. It is anticipated that the treatment experiences in these two cases may provide the instruction and enlightenment for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19.

The Therapeutic Efficacy of Acupuncture for Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Objective: This study aimed to report the therapeutic effect of acupuncture on chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). Methods: The articles were sourced from databases including PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, CNKI, CiNii, WHO ICTRP, JSOM, KMBASE, KISS, NDSL, and OASIS as of July 2019. The main search keywords were peripheral neuropathy and acupuncture, and only randomized controlled trials using acupuncture for therapeutic purposes were included. Cochrane’s risk of bias was used to assess the risk of bias, and the Review Manager 5.3 program was used for meta-analysis. Results: Six studies with a total 394 participants were included. When combined treatment of acupuncture and usual care was compared with usual care alone, quality of life improved more significantly in the combination treatment group (SMD=-2.71, 95% CI: -5.01 to -0.41, P=0.02, I2=97%). The CIPN pain score was lower among the combination treatment group, but not to a significant degree (SMD=-2.55, 95% CI: -5.14 to 0.04, P<0.05, I2=98%). There were no severe side effects in any studies. Conclusion: Acupuncture combined with usual care may be considered to safely relieve CIPN pain and improve quality of life for cancer patients. However, as there are few randomized controlled trials studying the effect of acupuncture on CIPN, further well-designed research is needed. Keywords: CIPN, acupuncture, chemotherapy, peripheral nervous system diseases, neuropathy, cancer, systematic review, meta-analysis

The effects of acupuncture on occipital neuralgia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundOccipital neuralgia is one of the main causes of occipital pain. This systematic review aims to assess the level of evidence in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the effects of acupuncture on occipital neuralgia.MethodsWe searched 11 databases and a journal archive from their inception up to December 2019 for relevant RCTs. We did not place any specific restrictions on patients diagnosed with occipital neuralgia, such as age or gender. We included studies that used an acupuncture intervention group, with or without the control group treatment, and that set a control group receiving active, interventional treatment such as medication. For outcomes, we used visual analogue scale (VAS) and effective rate.ResultsWe included a total of 11 RCTs. All VAS scores (mean difference [MD] –2.35, 95% confidence interval [CI] –2.84, − 1.86) and effective rate values (odds ratio [OR] 4.96, 95% CI 2.24, 10.96) showed significant differences in effect between acupuncture treatment alone and the control group treatment. Similarly, combined acupuncture treatment with control group treatment also showed significant effects in effective rate (OR 6.68, 95% CI 1.11, 40.37). We performed a subgroup analysis on studies that used acupuncture only as the intervention and reported the effective rate, and found that all acupuncture subgroups showed significant effects compared to the control group treatments. None of the studies reported severe adverse effects.ConclusionsAlthough acupuncture only and combined acupuncture treatments showed significant effects compared to medication, the results of this study are inconclusive. Studies with rigorous study design and larger sample sizes are needed to confirm the role of acupuncture in this field.Trial registrationInternational prospective register for systematic review (PROSPERO) number CRD42019128050.

Therapeutic effect on mild perimenopausal depression treated with acupuncture at the "thirteen ghost points" and kaixin powder

To compare the clinical therapeutic effect on perimenopausal depression between the combined treatment with acupuncture at the "thirteen ghost points" and kaixin powder and the single application of kaixin powder. A total of 60 patients with mild perimenopausal depression were randomized into a Chinese medication group (30 cases, 2 cases dropped off) and a combined treatment group (acupuncture and Chinese medication, 30 cases). In the Chinese medication group, the modified kaixin powder was administered, one dose a day, taking in the morning and the evening separately. In the combined treatment group, on the base of the treatment as the Chinese medication group, acupuncture was applied to the "thirteen ghost points" invented by SUN Si-miao, e.g. Shuigou (GV 26), Shaoshang (LU 11), Yinbai (SP 1), Daling (PC 7), Shenmai (BL 62), Jiache (ST 6), Chengjiang (CV 24), Laogong (PC 8), Shangxing (GV 23), etc. The needles were withdrawed after the qi was acquired, and acupuncture was given once every two days, 3 times a week. In both of the groups, the consecutive treatment for 12 weeks was required. Separately, before treatment, after treatment and in 1-month follow-up visit, the score of the Hamilton depression scale (HAMD), the score of the self-rating depression scale (SDS) and the score of the perimenopausal Kupperman were observed in the two groups. In 12 weeks of treatment, the clinical therapeutic effect was compared between the two groups. After treatment and during the follow-up, HAMD, SDS and Kupperman scores were all reduced obviously as compared with those before treatment in the two groups (P<0.05). These scores in the combined treatment group were all lower than those in the Chinese medication group (P<0.05). The total effective rate was 90.0% (27/30) in the combined treatment group, better than 78.6% (22/28) in the Chinese medication group (P<0.05). Either the combined treatment with acupuncture at the "thirteen ghost points" and kaixin powder or the single application of kaixin powder is effective on perimenopausal depression. The therapeutic effect of the combined treatment of acupuncture and Chinese medication is superior to the simple application of kaixin powder.

Acupuncture with or without combined auricular acupuncture for insomnia: a randomised, waitlist-controlled trial.

Few high-quality, large-scale, controlled trials comparing the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture, auricular acupuncture and combined acupuncture treatment for insomnia are available. To carry out a randomised, assessor-blinded, waitlist-controlled trial to test the superiority of combination treatment. After in-person and polysomnography screening, 224 subjects (mean age 53.4 years; 75.4% female) with DSM-5 insomnia disorder, who were free from major psychiatric disorders and with sleep-diary-derived sleep efficiency averaged over 1 week of <85%, were randomised to acupuncture alone, acupuncture plus auricular acupuncture (combination treatment), or a waitlist in a 3:3:1 ratio. Standardised acupuncture and combination treatment were provided three times weekly for 3 weeks. The primary outcome was sleep-diary-derived sleep efficiency. Secondary outcomes included wrist actigraphy and self-reported scales on insomnia, anxiety and depression, fatigue, sleepiness and functioning. Assessments were conducted at baseline, 1 week, 4 weeks and 13 weeks after treatment. Participants on the waitlist were re-randomised to receive acupuncture or combination treatment after the second post-baseline assessment. There was no significant difference between acupuncture and combination treatment in the primary outcome and most secondary outcomes at all time points. However, both treatments were better than waitlist in reducing insomnia, anxiety/depressive symptoms and fatigue, and improving function. Within-group improvements were maintained at 13 weeks after treatment. Of 260 adverse events, 243 were mild (93.5%). Discontinuation due to adverse events was 2.1% and 3.1% for acupuncture and combination treatment, respectively. Limited by short-term treatment and follow-up, the attempt to augment acupuncture by auricular acupuncture was not supported. Acupuncture and combination treatment were safe and had mild hypnotic effects, which lasted for at least 13 weeks. NCT01891097; Results.

Efficacy of Combined Treatment with Acupuncture and Bee Venom Acupuncture as an Adjunctive Treatment for Parkinson's Disease.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of acupuncture and bee venom acupuncture (BVA) for idiopathic Parkinson's disease (IPD) through a sham-controlled trial. We also investigated whether there is a sustained therapeutic effect by completing follow-up assessments after treatment completion. A single center, double-blind, three-armed randomized controlled trial. This study was performed at a university hospital in Seoul, Republic of Korea. Seventy-three (73) patients with IPD were the subjects. They were randomly assigned to the active treatment group, sham treatment group, or conventional treatment group. The active treatment group received acupuncture and BVA and the sham group received sham acupuncture and normal saline injections, twice a week for 12 weeks. The conventional treatment group maintained anti-parkinsonian drugs without additional intervention. The Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) part II and part III score, postural instability and gait disturbance (PIGD) score, gait speed and number, Parkinson's Disease Quality of Life Questionnaire, Beck Depression Inventory, and postural stability at baseline and at 12, 16, and 20 weeks. Sixty-three (63) patients provided a complete data of assessments, including a final follow-up. After 12 weeks of treatment, a significant difference was observed between the active treatment group and the conventional treatment group. After the end of the treatment, the treatment effects were maintained significantly in the active treatment group only. It is suggested that the combined treatment of acupuncture and BVA might be safe and useful adjunctive treatment for patients with IPD.

Reduction of chronic non-specific low back pain: A randomised controlled clinical trial on acupuncture and baclofen

BackgroundChronic non-specific low back pain (LBP) is a prevalent (80%) and multi-dimensional illness. This study aims to test whether acupuncture, baclofen, or combined treatment with acupuncture and baclofen alleviates symptoms of non-specific chronic LBP in men.MethodsEight-four (84) men aged 50-60 years with non-specific chronic LBP were randomly assigned to four groups: the baclofen group received only baclofen (30 mg/day); the acupuncture group received only acupuncture at selected acupoints; the acupuncture + baclofen group received combined treatment with acupuncture and baclofen treatments; and the control group received no pain reduction treatment. After five weeks of treatment, visual analogue scale (VAS) and self-reported pain disability with the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RDQ) were conducted for outcome measures.ResultsAfter treatment, the baclofen, acupuncture and acupuncture + baclofen groups all had lower VAS and RDQ scores. Significantly higher reduction and improvement in VAS and RDQ scores were found in the acupuncture and acupuncture + baclofen groups compared to the baclofen group.ConclusionThe present study indicates that the combined treatment of acupuncture and baclofen is more effective than baclofen treatment alone to reduce pain in patients with non-specific chronic LBP.Trial registration numberACTRN12609000698279

A pilot study on using acupuncture and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation to treat chronic non-specific low back pain

The present study tests whether a combined treatment of acupuncture and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is more effective than acupuncture or TENS alone for treating chronic low back pain (LBP). Thirty-two patients with chronic LBP were randomly allocated to four groups. The acupuncture group (ACP) received only acupuncture treatment at selected acupoints for low back pain; the TENS group (TENS) received only TENS treatment at pain areas; the acupuncture and TENS group (A&T) received both acupuncture and TENS treatments; the control group (CT) received topical poultice (only when necessary). Each group received specific weekly treatment five times during the study. Outcome measures were pain intensity in terms of visual analogue scale (VAS) and QOL of low back in terms of Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RDQ). The ACP, TENS and A&T groups all reported lower VAS and RDQ scores. Significant reduction in pain intensity (P<0.008) and significant improvement in QOL (P<0.008) were shown in the A&T group. Combined acupuncture and TENS treatment is effective in pain relief and QOL of low back improvement for the sampled patients suffering from chronic LBP.

The Effectiveness of Combined Chinese Herbal Medicine and Acupuncture in the Treatment of Atopic Dermatitis

Patients with atopic dermatitis increasingly use complementary medicine. The objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of the combination of Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture for the treatment of atopic dermatitis. Twenty (20) patients between the ages of 13 and 48 who had mild-to-severe atopic dermatitis were given a combined treatment of acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine and were followed prospectively. The patients received acupuncture treatment twice a week and the Chinese herbal formula 3 times daily for a total of 12 weeks. Assessments were performed before treatment, and at weeks 3, 6, 9, and 12 of treatment. The primary outcomes were defined as the changes in the Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI), Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), and patient assessment of itch measured on a visual analogue scale (VAS). After 12 weeks of treatment, an improvement in EASI was noted in 100% of patients, when compared with the baseline. The mean EASI fell from 4.99 to 1.81; the median percentage of decrease was 63.5%. Moreover, 78.8% of patients experienced a reduction in DLQI and VAS, as compared with the baseline. The mean DLQI decreased from 12.5 to 7.6 at the end of treatment, with 39.1% improvement. Mean VAS decreased from 6.8 to 3.7, with 44.7% improvement. No adverse effects were observed. The results of this study suggest that the combination of acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine have a beneficial effect on patients with atopic dermatitis and may offer better results than Chinese herbal medicine alone.

A pilot study on using acupuncture and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) to treat knee osteoarthritis (OA).

BackgroundThe present study tests whether a combined treatment of acupuncture and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is more effective than acupuncture or TENS alone for treating knee osteoarthritis (OA).MethodsThirty-two patients with knee OA were randomly allocated to four groups. The acupuncture group (ACP) received only acupuncture treatment at selected acupoints for knee pain; the TENS group (TENS) received only TENS treatment at pain areas; the acupuncture and TENS group (A&T) received both acupuncture and TENS treatments; the control group (CT) received topical poultice (only when necessary). Each group received specific weekly treatment five times during the study. Outcome measures were pain intensity in a visual analogue scale (VAS) and knee function in terms of the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC).ResultsThe ACP, TENS and A&T groups reported lower VAS and WOMAC scores than the control group. Significant reduction in pain intensity (P = 0.039) and significant improvement in knee function (P = 0.008) were shown in the A&T group.ConclusionCombined acupuncture and TENS treatment was effective in pain relief and knee function improvement for the sampled patients suffering from knee OA.

Treatment of hemiplegia and joint contracture after apoplexy by acupuncture plus cupping therapy: A report of 52 cases

Objective: To study the treatment method of apoplectic joint contracture.Method: Fifty-two cases were treated with acupuncture plus cupping and thirty cases were treated with acupuncture alone as the control group.Result and conclusion: The effective rate of the former and later were 100% and 93.3% respectively, combined treatment of acupuncture and cupping was superior to acupuncture alone (P<0.05).