Effects of Sanqi Shengyu External Application Cream and Pulsed Electromagnetic Field on Knee Osteoarthritis in Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

ABSTRACT:

Background and purpose

Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a leading cause of disability worldwide, necessitating safe and effective therapies. This study aimed to compare the efficacy of the Sanqi Shengyu External Application Cream, an external Chinese herbal therapy (ECHT), pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF), and their combination in alleviating pain and improving function in KOA patients.

Methods

This single-blinded, multi-center randomized controlled trial enrolled 120 elderly participants with KOA (Kellgren-Lawrence grade ≥ 2). Participants were randomly allocated to one of the four groups: (1) ECHT + PEMF + exercise, (2) ECHT + exercise, (3) PEMF + exercise, or (4) exercise + health education (control). Interventions were administered 5 days/week for 4 weeks. Primary outcome

SUBMITTER: Wang R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12583917 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature