Effects of infrared CO 2 laser moxibustion on patients with knee osteoarthritis: a double-blind, randomized, controlled study

Objective To observe whether 10.6 µm infrared laser moxibustion provides greater pain and stiffness relief and improves joint function in patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA) compared with sham laser moxibustion. Methods A total of 178 patients with KOA were randomly divided into a CO 2 laser moxibustion group and a sham laser moxibustion group by block randomization method. Patients in the two groups received 10.6 µm infrared laser moxibustion or sham laser moxibustion treatment symmetrically at bilateral Dubi (ST35), respectively. Patients in both groups received 20 min of treatment, 3 times per week for 4 weeks. Treatment effects were assessed by changes in the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities osteoarthritis index (WOMAC) before treatment, at mid-treatment (2 weeks), at the end of treatment (4 weeks), and 4 weeks after treatment. Completion time for walking 50 yards was evaluated as a secondary measurement. Results There were no statistical differences in the WOMAC scores for pain, stiffness, and function between the two groups before treatment ( P >0.05). Patients in the CO 2 laser moxibustion group experienced greater improvement in WOMAC pain, stiffness, and function scores at mid-treatment, the end of treatment, and 4 weeks after treatment ( P <0.05). No significant inter-group difference was found at each assessment of the 50-yard walking time ( P >0.05). Conclusion Compared with the sham laser moxibustion, 10.6 µm laser moxibustion can significantly reduce pain and improve knee joint stiffness and function in patients with KOA.