[Randomized Controlled Clinical Trials of Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis of Yang-deficiency Pattern by Acupuncture Plus Moxibustion].

OBJECTIVE: -deficiency syndrome. METHODS: ＝28). Neixiyan (EX-LE 4), Dubi (ST 35), Liangqiu (ST 34), Heding (EX-LE 2), Xuehai (SP 10), Yanglingquan (GB 34) on the affected side of the body were punctured with filiform needles or/and stimulated with moxibustion using seed-sized moxa cones. The treatment was conducted once daily for 10 days, followed with another 10 days after 2 days interval. The pain severity was evaluated by using visual analogue scale (VAS), and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) scores were used to measure the KOA pain, stiffness and function before and after the treatment, and 1 month after the treatment. The therapeutic effect was also evaluated according to the "Standards for Diagnosis and Therapeutic Effect Evaluation of Diseases/Syndromes of Traditional Chinese Medicine" (issued by the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine of China in 1994). RESULTS: <0.05). CONCLUSION: Acupuncture plus moxibustion is significantly superior to simple acupuncture therapy in relieving symptoms of KOA patients, and also has a better post-effect.