Shuci method of electroacupuncture improves self-perception and quality of life in patients with knee osteoarthritis: a multicenter randomized controlled trial

Chen Y, Xie H, Ye M, Wang J, Zhang D, Yuan A · Frontiers in Medicine · 2026 August 26

DOI 10.3389/fmed.2026.1864999

Objective

To investigate the efficacy of the Shuci method of electroacupuncture for knee osteoarthritis.

Conclusions

The response rate and improvements in pain, pressure pain threshold, and knee function were significantly higher in the electroacupuncture group compared to the sham electroacupuncture group.

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Insights

The Shuci method of electroacupuncture shows temporary efficacy in treating knee osteoarthritis.

In a multicenter, patient- and assessor-blinded, superiority randomized controlled trial, 110 patients with knee osteoarthritis were equally divided into two groups: an electroacupuncture (EA) group and a sham EA (SEA) group. Both groups received treatment three times weekly for two weeks following the Shuci theory of traditional Chinese acupuncture. Patients' conditions were evaluated both before and after the treatment, using the Clinical Global Impressions scale - Improvement. Upon completion of the treatment, the EA group displayed a significantly higher response rate compared to the SEA group. The EA group also demonstrated marked improvements in terms of pain, symptoms, activities of daily living, and knee-related quality of life. These results preliminarily confirmed the temporary efficiency of the Shuci method of electroacupuncture in treating knee osteoarthritis.