Efficacy and safety of acupuncture with moxibustion for knee osteoarthritis: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Abstract Background Osteoarthritis (OA) is prevalent, yet its management remains challenging. This meta-analysis aims to evaluate the efficacy of acupuncture combined with moxibustion versus other standard treatments in patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA) based on randomized controlled trials (R...
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2025-01-01
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s13643-025-02762-x |
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| author | Rui-Xin Zhu Xing Li Zhao-Bo Yan Cheng Chen Wei Zhai Heng-Cai Zhang Wen-Juan Ma Fu-Kun Wang Mi Liu Ge-Shu Du |
| author_facet | Rui-Xin Zhu Xing Li Zhao-Bo Yan Cheng Chen Wei Zhai Heng-Cai Zhang Wen-Juan Ma Fu-Kun Wang Mi Liu Ge-Shu Du |
| author_sort | Rui-Xin Zhu |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Background Osteoarthritis (OA) is prevalent, yet its management remains challenging. This meta-analysis aims to evaluate the efficacy of acupuncture combined with moxibustion versus other standard treatments in patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA) based on randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Methods Searches were conducted in Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials to retrieve relevant RCTs. Data on baseline characteristics, treatment efficacy, and adverse events were extracted. The analysis utilized pooled weighted mean differences (WMD) and risk ratios (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to assess the superior treatment modality. Results A total of 18 RCTs were included. Acupuncture combined with moxibustion demonstrated significant improvement in the visual analog scale (VAS) for pain and the long-term (> 60 weeks) Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) scores for pain, stiffness, and physical function compared to other treatments. In contrast, short- (< 4 weeks) and mid-term (6–60 weeks) WOMAC outcomes for pain, stiffness, and physical function indicated varied results. The overall efficacy rate also favored the combined therapy significantly in the short- and mid-term evaluations. Notably, this therapy was associated with fewer adverse events. Conclusion The meta-analysis reveals that acupuncture combined with moxibustion is notably more effective and safer than other treatment modalities for KOA, particularly during mid- and long-term follow-up periods. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-d0680dccc3d74a289602eb20009c5109 |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2046-4053 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-01-01 |
| publisher | BMC |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Systematic Reviews |
| spelling | doaj-art-d0680dccc3d74a289602eb20009c51092025-01-19T12:12:01ZengBMCSystematic Reviews2046-40532025-01-0114111210.1186/s13643-025-02762-xEfficacy and safety of acupuncture with moxibustion for knee osteoarthritis: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trialsRui-Xin Zhu0Xing Li1Zhao-Bo Yan2Cheng Chen3Wei Zhai4Heng-Cai Zhang5Wen-Juan Ma6Fu-Kun Wang7Mi Liu8Ge-Shu Du9The Affiliated Changsha Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospitalof, Hunan University of Chinese MedicineDepartment of Acupuncture, Moxibustion & Rehabilitation, Changsha Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Changsha No. 8 Hospital)Department of Acupuncture, Moxibustion & Rehabilitation, Changsha Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Changsha No. 8 Hospital)Department of Acupuncture, Moxibustion & Rehabilitation, Changsha Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Changsha No. 8 Hospital)Department of Acupuncture, Moxibustion & Rehabilitation, Changsha Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Changsha No. 8 Hospital)Department of Acupuncture, Moxibustion & Rehabilitation, Changsha Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Changsha No. 8 Hospital)Department of Acupuncture, Moxibustion & Rehabilitation, Changsha Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Changsha No. 8 Hospital)Department of Acupuncture, Moxibustion & Rehabilitation, Changsha Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Changsha No. 8 Hospital)The School of Acupuncture, Hunan University of Chinese MedicineDepartment of Acupuncture, Moxibustion & Rehabilitation, Changsha Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Changsha No. 8 Hospital)Abstract Background Osteoarthritis (OA) is prevalent, yet its management remains challenging. This meta-analysis aims to evaluate the efficacy of acupuncture combined with moxibustion versus other standard treatments in patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA) based on randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Methods Searches were conducted in Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials to retrieve relevant RCTs. Data on baseline characteristics, treatment efficacy, and adverse events were extracted. The analysis utilized pooled weighted mean differences (WMD) and risk ratios (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to assess the superior treatment modality. Results A total of 18 RCTs were included. Acupuncture combined with moxibustion demonstrated significant improvement in the visual analog scale (VAS) for pain and the long-term (> 60 weeks) Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) scores for pain, stiffness, and physical function compared to other treatments. In contrast, short- (< 4 weeks) and mid-term (6–60 weeks) WOMAC outcomes for pain, stiffness, and physical function indicated varied results. The overall efficacy rate also favored the combined therapy significantly in the short- and mid-term evaluations. Notably, this therapy was associated with fewer adverse events. Conclusion The meta-analysis reveals that acupuncture combined with moxibustion is notably more effective and safer than other treatment modalities for KOA, particularly during mid- and long-term follow-up periods.https://doi.org/10.1186/s13643-025-02762-xAcupunctureMoxibustionKnee osteoarthritisMeta-analysisTreatmentAdverse events |
| spellingShingle | Rui-Xin Zhu Xing Li Zhao-Bo Yan Cheng Chen Wei Zhai Heng-Cai Zhang Wen-Juan Ma Fu-Kun Wang Mi Liu Ge-Shu Du Efficacy and safety of acupuncture with moxibustion for knee osteoarthritis: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials Systematic Reviews Acupuncture Moxibustion Knee osteoarthritis Meta-analysis Treatment Adverse events |
| title | Efficacy and safety of acupuncture with moxibustion for knee osteoarthritis: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials |
| title_full | Efficacy and safety of acupuncture with moxibustion for knee osteoarthritis: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials |
| title_fullStr | Efficacy and safety of acupuncture with moxibustion for knee osteoarthritis: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials |
| title_full_unstemmed | Efficacy and safety of acupuncture with moxibustion for knee osteoarthritis: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials |
| title_short | Efficacy and safety of acupuncture with moxibustion for knee osteoarthritis: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials |
| title_sort | efficacy and safety of acupuncture with moxibustion for knee osteoarthritis a meta analysis of randomized controlled trials |
| topic | Acupuncture Moxibustion Knee osteoarthritis Meta-analysis Treatment Adverse events |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1186/s13643-025-02762-x |
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