Effect of 10.6-μm CO(2) laser moxibustion on the fastest 15-m walking time in patients with knee osteoarthritis: a double-blind, sham-controlled, multi-site randomized trial.

研究概要

A total of 392 patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA) were randomized to receive either 10.6-μm CO₂ laser moxibustion therapy (n=158) or sham laser moxibustion therapy (n=151) three times per week for four weeks. The primary outcome was the fastest 15-meter walking time, with secondary outcomes related to safety and consistency of therapeutic effects assessed at Week 4 and Week 12. Overall, results demonstrated that the LM group had significantly improved 15-meter walking times at both Week 4 and Week 12 compared to the sham group (all p<0.05). This suggests that 10.6-μm CO₂ LM significantly enhances walking ability in patients with KOA, with benefits lasting at least 8 weeks post-treatment.