• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.37 no.3
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• pp.137-150
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• 2020

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the evidence supporting the effectiveness of moxibustion treatment for osteoarthritis. There were 9 databases used to retrieve randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that used moxibustion as treatment for osteoarthritis. The quality of methodology for the RCTs was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool [Review Manager (RevMan) Version 5.3 Windows, The Nordic Cochrane Centre, Copenhagen, Denmark]. The inclusion criteria for this review was met by 27 RCTs. All studies were conducted in China. A 4-week moxibustion treatment period was the most common. EX-LE4 and SP10 and GB34 acupoints were most frequently selected in the treatment of osteoarthritis. The most commonly used evaluation index was the visual analog scale (VAS). All studies, including a meta-analysis showed that moxibustion treatments were statistically significantly effective at treating knee osteoarthritis. However, well-designed randomized RCTs without a high risk of bias should be designed in the future.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.157-166
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• 2007

Objective : The aim of this study was to investigate anti-arthritic effects of Honghwa-ja herbal acupuncture extract through inhibitory MIF activation. Methods: After Rheumatoid arthritis(RA) knee joint was induced by lipopolysaccharide(LPS) in vivo, Honghwa-ja herbal acupuncture solution was applied on $ST_{35}$(犢鼻) and $EX-LE_{202}$(內膝眼) coresponding human body. To research the effect on the expression of MIF, COX-2, MMP-9 mRNA, RT-PCR was performed on LPS-stimulated Raw 264.7 cells. Results: In the Honghwa-ja herbal acupuncture solution treated Raw 264.7 cell, the mRNA expression of cytokines, RA related inflammation factors, such as the MIF, COX-2, and MMP-9 reduced concentration dependently. Positive reaction of RA-related cytokines MIF, $IL-6R-{\alpha}$, STAT3, COX-2, MMP-9 was reduced. Conclusion : Honghwa-ja herbal acupuncture extract has significant protecting ability against acute progressive RA by inhibiting the production of MIF, as a top in cytokines related to inflammation.

• Journal of Convergence Korean Medicine
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• v.1 no.1
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• pp.35-44
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• 2021

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of ultrasound therapy on left knee pain and instability diagnosed with Baker's cyst in a 25-year-old male patient. Methods: Patient was treated with Radio frequency ablation treatment on left knee from Naeseulan (EX-LE4) to Wijoong (BL40). The effect of radio frequency ablation was assessed by Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities (WOMAC) and Euro Qol-5 Dimension Index (EQ-5D Index). The treatment was executed one time a day everyday form May 28th to June 1st of 2020. Patient was observed from May 26th to June 1st. Results: After five sessions of radio frequency ablation, VAS of left posterior knee pain was improved while no improvement was discovered at left medial knee. In Korean WOMAC scale, only subscale of weight bearing and walking around plain were improved. EQ-5D did not show any improvement. Conclusion: The results suggest that radio frequency ablation treatment can be a valuable option in treating knee pain and daily living function. Further study seems to be needed based on long-term intervention.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.16 no.1 s.29
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• pp.379-402
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• 1995

This study was performed to investigate the comparative effects of Apitoxin(0.1% bee venom 0.1cc) & Acupuncture therapy on the knee joint arthritis induced by 0.1% carrageenin solution at Rt. knee joint in rats. After carrageenin injection, the apitoxin was injected for two times (Experimental group I : 1 & 24hours later, Experimental group II : 48 & 72hours later) into the corresponding loci to Rt. $ST_{35}$(Group 3) & $EX-LE_4$(group 4) of the human body in rats. Acupuncture therapy was done same as above. And then the comparative effects of apitoxin and acupuncture therapy on the knee joint arthritis were estimated by the WBC count, RBC count, hemoglobin level, hematocrit level and ASO titer in serum. The results were summerized as follows : 1. The effects of apitoxin & acupuncture on WBC count showed remarkable decrease at group 3 & group 4 as compared with the control group in both experimental group I & experimental group II. There were not any statistical difference from apitoxin and acupuncture therapy by Duncan's multiple range test. 2. The effect of apitoxin on RBC count showed noticeable decrease at group 3 & group 4 as compared with the control group in both experimental group I & experimental group II. The acupuncture was not showed decrease at group 3 & group 4 as compared with the control group in both experimental group I & experimental group II. There were not any statistical difference from apitoxin and acupuncture therapy by Duncan's multiple range test. 3. The effects of apitoxin & acupuncture on hemoglobin level showed noticeable decrease at group 3 & group 4 as compared with the control group in both experimental group I & experimental group II. There were not any statistical difference from apitoxin and acupuncture therapy by Duncan's multiple range test. 4. The effect of apitoxin on hematocrit level showed noticeable decrease at group 3 & group 4 as compared with the control group in both experimental group I & experimental group II. The acupuncture was not showed decrease at group 3 & group 4 as compared with the control group in both experimental group I & experimental group II. There were not any statistical difference from apitoxin and acupuncture therapy by Duncan's multiple range test. 5. The effect of apitoxin on ASO titer showed noticeable decrease at group 3 & group 4 as compared with the control group only in experimental group I. The apitoxin & acupuncture showed decrease at group 3 & group 4 as compared with the control group in experimental group II. There were significantly statistical difference from apitoxin and acupuncture therapy by Duncan's multiple range test. The effect of apitoxin showed slightly decrease as compared with the acupuncture therapy by Duncan's multiple range test.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.13 no.4
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• pp.181-188
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• 2015

Purpose: This study aimed to examine the effects of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) lower extremity patterns combined with elastic bands applied to stroke patients diagnosed with hemiplegia through self-training using the non-paralyzed side approach and the paralyzed side approach, and to investigate the differences in the effects. Methods: Nine chronic stroke patients who were being treated not more than twice a week at H, K, R, and C hospitals located in Gangwon-do, performed self-training for 16 minutes, two times per day for four weeks between August and October 2015. The subjects' balance ability was measured using the Tetrax stability index, the weight distribution index, the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), and the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test before the experiment and four weeks later. Among the statistical methods, paired t-tests were conducted for intra-group comparison of the measurements taken before and after the experiment, and independent t-tests were conducted for inter-group comparison of the ex post facto values. The statistical significance level was set to 0.05. Results: When the lower extremity patterns were applied to the non-paralyzed side group and the paralyzed side group, significant intra-group differences were observed for the Tetrax stability index, the weight distribution index, the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), and Timed Up and Go (TUG) tests (p<0.05); however, the inter-group comparisons showed no significant differences. Conclusion: The non-paralyzed side approach was found to be easy for patients to participate in and it also affected the patients' paralyzed side. Although the paralyzed side approach produced good exercise effects in a short period of time, it could result in adverse effects, such as a decrease in motivation and self-confidence. Therefore, these approaches are considered to be more effective when they are selectively applied depending on the purpose of the intervention and the degree of a patients' participation.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.167-181
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• 2007

Objectives: To evaluate expression of MIF mRNA, MIF, $TNF-{\alpha}$, $IL-6R-{\alpha}$, STAT-3, $NF-{\kappa}B$ p65, COX-2 and iNOS, MMP-9mRNA after injecting deer antler herbal acupuncture solution in a LPS rat model. Methods: The experiment was divided in category of the control group, RA group, and NA group. RA was induced in the mice via injecting 300ug/kg LPS. The deer antler herbal acupuncture solution 50ug/kg was applied on $ST_{35}$(犢鼻) and EX-LE201(內膝眼) for 19days from $3^{rd}$ day of RA inducement. Results: 1. In the deer antler herbal acupuncture solution treated RAW 264.7cell, the mRNA expression of cytokines, RA related inflammation factors, such as the MIF, COX- 2, iNOS, and MMP-g reduced concentration dependently. 2. In the deer antler herbal acupuncture treated mice's synovial membrane, decrease in the cell replication of synovial joint cells, regeneration of blood vessel, fibrosis and fibroblastic cells expansion were observed. 3. Positive reaction of RA-related cytokines MIF, $TNF-{\alpha}$, $IL-6R-{\alpha}$, STAT3, COX-2, iNOS, $NF-\;{\kappa}B$ p65, MMP-9 was reduced. Conclusion : On the basis of the results, it was concluded that deer antler herbal acupuncture extract has significant protecting ability against acute progressive RA by inhibiting the production of MIF, as a top in cytokines related to inflammation.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.28 no.4
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• pp.1-15
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• 2011

Objectives : The purpose of this study is to evaluate the feasibility of massive clinical research and to make a basic analysis on the effectiveness and safety of moxibustion treatment on knee osteoarthritis compared to usual care. Methods and Results : This study is a protocol for a pilot randomized controlled trial. Forty participants are assigned to the moxibustion group (n=20) and usual care group (n=20). Participants assigned to the moxibustion group receive moxibustion treatment on the affected knee(s) at six standard acupuncture points (ST36, ST35, ST34, SP9, Ex-LE04 and SP10) three times per week for four weeks (total of 12 sessions). Participants in the usual care group don't receive moxibustion treatment during the study period and follow-up are made on the 5th, 9th and 13th weeks after random allocation. Both groups are allowed to use any kind of treatment, including surgery, conventional medication, physical treatment, acupuncture, herbal medicine, over-the-counter drugs and other active treatments. Education material that explains knee osteoarthritis and current management options and self-exercise is provided for each group. The pain scale of the Korean Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Questionnaire (K-WOMAC) is the primary outcome measurement used in this study. Other subscales of the K-WOMAC, the Short-Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Physical Function test, Patient Global Assessment, and Pain Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) are used as outcome variables to evaluate the effectiveness of acupuncture. Safety is assessed at every visit. Conclusions : The result of this trial will provide a basis for the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture treatment for knee osteoarthritis.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.115-133
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• 2019

Objectives The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of Curcumae Longae Rhizoma pharmacopuncture on the monosodium iodoacetate (MIA)-induced osteoarthritis rats. Methods Osteoarthritis was induced by injection of MIA ($50{\mu}L$ with 80 mg/mL) into knee joint cavity of rats. Rats were divided into 6 groups. Normal group was injected by normal saline into knee joint cavity only. Control group was induced for osteoarthritis by MIA and orally administered with distilled water. Normal Saline group was induced for osteoarthritis by MIA and injected with normal saline $100{\mu}L$. Positive comparison group was injected with MIA and orally administered with indomethacin 5 mg/kg. Curcumae Longae Rhizoma pharmacopuncture low concentration (CL) group was induced for osteoarthritis by MIA and injected with Curcumae Longae Rhizoma pharmacopuncture low concentration $100{\mu}L$. Curcumae Longae Rhizoma pharmacopuncture high concentration (CH) group was induced for osteoarthritis by MIA and injected with Curcumae Longae Rhizoma pharmacopuncture high concentration $100{\mu}L$. Curcumae Longae Rhizoma pharmacopuncture was injected at ST35 and EX-LE4 each group (CL, CH). After that, hind paw weight distribution was measured and oxidative stress biomarker in serum, liver function biomarker in serum, western blot analysis were measured. Histological analysis of knee joint tissue was performed by hematoxylin and eosin staining, Safranin-O staining and Masson's trichrome staining. Results Hind paw weight distribution was significantly improved in both group. alanine aminotransferanse and aspartate aminotransferase were decreased significantly in CH group compare with Indomethacin threated group. Antioxidant enzyme glutathione peroxidase, Catalase and heme oxygenase-1 were increased in CH group compare with control group. Inflammatory cytokine cyclooxygenase-2, inducible nitric oxide synthase and interleukin-1 beta were decreased significantly in CH group. Histological analysis result shows that protective effects of joint and cartilage were observed in both CH and CL groups in a concentration-dependent. Conclusions The result suggest that Curcumae Longae Rhizoma pharmacopuncture has anti-oxidation effect, anti-inflammatory effect and also can prevent progression of osteoarthritis and protect joint cartilage.