Research: LINDE and colleagues,

Listed in Issue 129

Abstract

LINDE and colleagues, Department of Internal Medicine II, Technische Universitat Munchen, Kaiserstrasse 9, 80801 Munich, Germany, have conducted an observational study on acupuncture for osteo-arthritis-related pain.

Background

The aim of the study was to investigate characteristics and outcomes of patients undergoing acupuncture treatment for osteoarthritis-related pain.

Methodology

736 patients with chronic pain due to osteoarthritis, treated with acupuncture as the leading form of therapy were included in an observational study. Detailed questionnaires including instruments to measure pain intensity, disability and quality of life were filled in before treatment, after treatment and at 6 months. Patients suffering from osteoarthritis of the knee and hip also filled in the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index questionnaire.

Results

On average, patients received 8.7 acupuncture treatments. Statistically significant and clinically relevant improvements were seen both immediately after treatment and at 6 months in all major outcome measures. In patients with osteoarthritis of the hip, the WOMAC sum score was 47.9 +/- 20.7 at baseline, 34.8 +/- 20.0 after treatment and 33.1 +/- 22.2 at 6 months. The respective values in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee were 51.7 +/- 20.9, 34.1 +/- 23.3 and 34.6 +/- 25.1.

Conclusion

Patients with chronic pain due to osteoarthritis reported clinically relevant improvements after acupuncture treatment.

References

Linde K, Weidenhammer W, Streng A, Hoppe A, Melchart D. Acupuncture for osteoarthritic pain: an observational study in routine care. Rheumatology 45 (2): 222-227, Feb 2006.

Comment

The above research studies demonstrate the far-reaching and international scope regarding the clinical application of Acupuncture for a variety of conditions.

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