Auricular Acupuncture in Older Women With Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Purpose

To evaluate the effects of AA on pain intensity, functional capacity, and depressive symptoms in older women with knee osteoarthritis.

Design

In this parallel, open-label randomized clinical trial.

Methods

100 women aged ≥60 years with chronic knee pain were randomized to receive AA (n = 50) or sham auricular stimulation at a neutral point (n = 50), once weekly for 10 weeks. The primary outcome was pain intensity (Numeric Pain Rating Scale). Secondary outcomes were functional capacity (Katz Index and Lawton-Brody Scale) and depressive symptoms (15-item Geriatric Depression Scale). Data were analyzed using Generalized Estimating Equations.

Results

Sixty-five participants completed follow-up. Compared with the control group, the AA group showed greater reductions in pain intensity (p < .0001), improved independence in basic activities of daily living (p = .0050), and decreased depressive symptoms (p = .0417). No differences were observed in instrumental activities of daily living (p = .8728). No adverse events were reported.

Conclusion

Auricular acupuncture significantly reduced pain and depressive symptoms and improved independence in older women with knee osteoarthritis. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS These findings support the safe integration of AA into comprehensive geriatric pain management.