Evaluating acupuncture for hand osteoarthritis
Efficacy of Acupuncture for Patients With Hand Osteoarthritis: a Randomized, Sham-controlled Trial
This study is testing whether acupuncture can help people with hand osteoarthritis feel less pain and improve their joint function.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 340 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Guang'anmen Hospital of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Beijing) |
| Trial ID | NCT05267093 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This multicentered, sham-controlled randomized clinical trial aims to assess the efficacy and safety of acupuncture in improving symptoms of hand osteoarthritis (HOA). Given the limited treatment options for HOA, the study seeks to explore acupuncture's potential benefits, drawing on its established effectiveness for knee osteoarthritis. Participants will receive either real acupuncture or sham acupuncture, with outcomes measured through pain intensity and joint function. The study will include individuals diagnosed with HOA who have experienced pain for at least three months.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18-80 diagnosed with hand osteoarthritis and experiencing significant pain.
Not a fit: Patients with secondary osteoarthritis or those who do not meet the inclusion criteria may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide an alternative treatment option for patients suffering from hand osteoarthritis.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown acupuncture to be effective for knee osteoarthritis, but research specifically on hand osteoarthritis is limited and this approach is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Diagnosed as hand OA according to the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) clinical classification criteria * History of hand OA for at least 3 months before enrollment and history of taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to treat hand OA * Aged 18-80 years * At least 40 mm in visual analog scale (VAS) on the average pain intensity of the dominant hand over the last 48 hours (patients applying NSAIDs at the screening have to have an increase in pain in the dominant hand of ≥ 20 mm after 1-week washout) * Posterior-anterior radiographs of the dominant hand shows Kellgren-Lawrence grade 1, 2, or 3 changes in symptomatic joints * Negative results in both rheumatoid factor and anticyclonic citrullinated peptide * Able to comply with the study protocol and understand the medical information forms * Voluntarily sign the informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * History or current evidence of secondary OA (due to causes other than a solely degenerative joint disease) or symptomatic OA at additional locations besides the hand(s) requiring treatment, or any painful syndrome of the upper limb which may interfere with evaluation of hand pain; * History of inflammatory arthritis (such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or psoriatic arthritis), hemochromatosis, metabolic, or neuropathic arthropathies; * History of trauma, dislocation or operation to the hand or arm in the previous 3 months; * Hand pain and stiffness due to tissue scarring or tendinitis; * Skin damage or serious skin disorders in the hands; * Intake of antidepressants, anticonvulsants, vascular or narcotics during the 10 days prior to beginning the study; * Oral, intramuscular, intra-articular or intravenous corticosteroids, or hyaluronic acid injection within 3 months preceding enrollment; * Serious uncontrolled medical conditions such as cancer, uncontrolled cardiovascular disorder, severe hepatic/renal insufficiency or coagulation disorder; * Known phobic to acupuncture or received acupuncture treatment within 4 weeks prior to enrollment.
Where this trial is running
Beijing
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences Guang'anmen Hospital — Beijing, China (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Weiming Wang, Ph.D — Guang'anmen Hospital of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences
- Study coordinator: Weiming Wang, Ph.D
- Email: wangweiming1a1@163.com
- Phone: +8613426424993
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.