Subcutaneous needling may offer a simpler alternative to electroacupuncture for relieving knee osteoarthritis symptoms and improving mobility.
This prospective, multicentre randomised controlled trial compares subcutaneous needling with electroacupuncture for knee osteoarthritis among patients treated at tertiary hospitals in China. Participants are assigned equally to either treatment, receive repeated sessions over a treatment course, and are assessed again after treatment. Outcomes include symptom relief, pain severity, physical function, quality of life, walking capacity, and treatment safety.
As this is a study protocol, no clinical results are reported. The trial is designed to determine whether subcutaneous needling provides symptom relief, functional improvement, and safety comparable with or superior to electroacupuncture.
