To Determine the effect of selective Acupuncture points among the individuals with Osteoarthritis of knee -A Randomized Controlled Trial

Osteoarthritis is a chronic degenerative disorder of multifactorial aetiology characterized by the loss of articular cartilage, hypertrophy of bone at the margins, subchondral sclerosis, and range of biochemical changes and morphological alterations of the synovial membrane and joint capsule. Worldwide about 10–15% of all adults aged over 60 have some degree of osteoarthritis. While the global prevalence of knee & hip osteoarthritis was 3.8% and 0.85% respectively. India’s elderly population (>60 yrs) is set to increase drastically from around 7.4% in 2001 to around 19% in 2050. Several studies have suggested the potential benefits of acupuncture to generally improve symptoms such as joint pain, swelling and stiffness in osteoarthritis of knee. A Randomized controlled trial will be adopted for this study. The simple randomization method with 1:1 ratio will be done for 60 subjects get a sample size of (n=30) in each group. After obtaining informed consent, participants who fit the inclusion criteria will be randomly allocated into GROUP A (study group) GROUP B (control group). GROUP A will receive selective Acupuncture points at GB-31(FENGSHI), GB-34(YANGLINGQUAN), GV-20(BAIHUI), EX-LE-2(HEDING), EX-LE-5 (MEDIAL XIYAN & LATERAL XIYAN), to the affected knee for 20 minutes, three days per week and for 5 weeks. While the GROUP B (control group) will receive sham acupuncture for 20 minutes to the affected knee, thrice a week for 5 weeks. As a primary assessment WOMAC Scale is used to measure the difficulties in daily activities of the osteoarthritis patients at baseline and 5th week. As a Secondary outcome the range of motion of knees will be measured using the Goniometer on baseline and at 5th week.