Research: WASHIO and colleagues,

Listed in Issue 73

Abstract

WASHIO and colleagues, Department of Preventive Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Japan evaluated the effects of acupuncture therapy on low back pain and/or knee pain in elderly patients.

Background

Methodology

In this cross-sectional study, 75 elderly patients (mean age 79 years) with low back pain and/or knee pain visited an acupuncture and physical therapy unit in a geriatric hospital during April 1999.

Results

60 of the 75 patients reported diminished pain following their therapy. Of these 60 patients, 55.5% were treated with acupuncture . Of the remaining 15 patients (who did not report diminished pain), only 26.7% were treated with acupuncture (p=0.05 for the difference in proportions). This observation suggested that acupuncture therapy may be able to relieve low back pain and/or knee pain in elderly patients. However, 46% of the patients who received acupuncture therapy also received other types of physical therapy .

Conclusion

Further studies are needed to clarify the effects of acupuncture therapy on low back pain and/or knee pain.

References

Washio M et al. Effects of acupuncture therapy on low back pain and/or knee pain in elderly patients. Nippon Ronen Igakkai Zasshi 38 (4): 523-7. Jul 2001.

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