Laser Acupuncture for Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trials.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

To provide updated evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the effectiveness of laser acupuncture for patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA).

Methods

A literature search in 9 databases was conducted from their inception through February 2019. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) written in English that compared active laser acupuncture with placebo in KOA patients were included. Two authors independently extracted data from these trials. Meta-analysis software was used to analyze the data. Included studies were assessed in terms of the follow-up period, the methodological quality, and appropriateness of their technical features.

Results

Of 357 studies, seven RCTs (totaling 395 patients) met the inclusion criteria. The short-term outcomes showed

SUBMITTER: Chen Z 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6874873 | biostudies-literature | 2019

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature