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

BACKGROUND: In this study, we investigated the impact of 10.6-μm CO(2) laser moxibustion (LM) on the fastest 15-m walking time in individuals suffering from knee osteoarthritis (KOA). METHODS: A total of 392 individuals diagnosed with KOA and meeting the specified eligibility criteria were assigned randomly into two groups: the LM treatment group and the sham LM control group (ratio 1:1). Both groups received either LM therapy or simulated LM therapy to address the affected area of the knee joint. This treatment was administered three times a week for a duration of 4 weeks. RESULTS: In the LM group, the fastest 15-m walking times at both Week 4 and Week 12 were significantly reduced compared to the times before treatment (all P < 0.05). However, in the sham LM group, there were no notable differences in the fastest 15-m walking times after treatment (all P > 0.05). Moreover, the LM group exhibited shorter 15-m walking times than the sham LM group at both Week 4 and Week 12 (all P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The use of CO(2) LM can lead to a substantial enhancement in the fastest 15-m walking time of individuals suffering from KOA, and its therapeutic impact can last for a minimum of 8 weeks post-treatment. The fastest 15-m walking time serves as an indicator of alterations in the walking capacity of patients with KOA.