A randomised controlled trial of laser acupuncture improves early outcomes of osteoarthritis patients' physical functional ability after total knee replacement

Abstract

Background and purpose: Total knee replacement is the most effective intervention for late-stage osteoarthritis; however, a major concern is postoperative recovery of physical function. This randomised controlled trial evaluated the effects of acupuncture with low-level laser therapy (ALLLT) on early outcomes of physical function after total knee replacement.

Materials and methods: Eighty-two osteoarthritis patients were recruited and randomly assigned to the experimental group receiving ALLLT or the control group receiving sham ALLLT without laser beam output. Physical function was evaluated by assessing knee joint flexion and stiffness on days 1, 2, and 3 after total knee replacement.

Results: Generalised estimating equations revealed a significant difference between the two groups in joint flexion. The experimental group displayed better joint flexion and less stiffness on days 2 and 3 than did the control group.

Conclusion: ALLLT can facilitate the recovery of physical function, as evidenced by knee joint flexion and stiffness, in patients receiving total knee replacement.

Keywords: Acupuncture; Joint flexion; Joint stiffness; Low level laser therapy (LLLT); Physical functional ability; Total knee replacement (TKR).