Non-invasive treatment for knee osteoarthritis using pulsed radiofrequency acupuncture
Official title: The Efficacy of Transcutaneous Pulsed Radiofrequency Acupuncture for Knee Osteoarthritis
Run by Shin Kong Wu Ho-Su Memorial Hospital · NCT06702046 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new, non-invasive acupuncture treatment combined with rehab to see if it can help people aged 45 to 85 with knee osteoarthritis feel less pain and get more active.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 45 Years to 85 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 90 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Shin Kong Wu Ho-Su Memorial Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Taipei, State) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | February 24, 2025 |
| Main results expected | March 31, 2028 |
| Study ends | June 30, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | April 24, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06702046 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are individuals aged 45 to 85 with chronic knee pain and a diagnosis of knee osteoarthritis.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with infections, autoimmune diseases, or those who have undergone knee surgery may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study evaluates the efficacy of transcutaneous pulsed radiofrequency acupuncture combined with rehabilitation for patients suffering from knee osteoarthritis. It targets individuals aged 45 to 85 who experience chronic knee pain and meet specific clinical criteria for osteoarthritis. The approach aims to provide effective pain relief without the invasiveness of traditional acupuncture, thereby encouraging greater participation in rehabilitation activities. Participants will undergo a treatment regimen over four weeks, followed by a three-month follow-up period to assess outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could significantly improve pain management and functional outcomes for patients with knee osteoarthritis.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown positive outcomes with traditional acupuncture and electroacupuncture for knee osteoarthritis, suggesting potential for success with this novel approach.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age from 45 to 85 year-old with knee pain for more than six months * Fulfill the combined clinical and radiographic criteria of knee OA established by the American College of Rheumatology with a Kellgren and Lawrence score of 2 or greater * Pain score above 3 (range 0-10 on the visual analog scale; higher scores indicate greater pain * Could participate in 4 weeks of treatment and 3 months of follow-up Exclusion Criteria: * Knee OA combined with any infection, inflammation, autoimmune disease, or fracture * History or underlying disease that would affect posture and balance, such as malignancy, dizziness, vertigo, or stroke * Ever underwent any type of knee operation or internal fixation * Pregnant or planning to become pregnant * Receiving other treatment for knee OA in previous 3 months * History of epilepsy, electronic devices implanted in the body * Active infection at the stimulator contact site * Lack of informed consent * Any other reason thought likely to result in inability to complete the trial
Where it's running
-
Shin Kong Wu Ho-Su Memorial Hospital
Taipei, State, Taiwan Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Yu-Ting Lin, M.D.
- Email: M012225@ms.skh.org.tw
- Phone: +886-28332211
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Medial knee osteoarthritis: inside vs outside corticosteroid injection
This study tests whether injecting a steroid inside the knee joint leads to different pain results than injecting it on the outside of the knee in people with medial knee osteoarthritis.
-
Platelet-rich plasma added to hyaluronic acid for knee osteoarthritis
This study tests whether a single injection of hyaluronic acid plus autologous platelet-rich plasma helps reduce knee OA symptoms more than hyaluronic acid alone in adults with moderate knee OA.
-
Hyaluronic Acid Plus PRP Injection for Knee Osteoarthritis
This study tests whether a single HA injection combined with a patient’s own PRP is better at easing knee OA pain than HA alone.
-
Long-acting local pain medicine after knee replacement
This study tests whether a new extended-release pain medicine (Zynrelef) given around the knee during total knee replacement can reduce pain after surgery better or as well as standard injections or nerve blocks.
-
Choose to Move Replacement Ready for OA patients waiting for hip or knee replacement
This program tests a tailored, online version of a 3-month activity and social-connection plan for older adults with hip or knee osteoarthritis who are waiting for joint replacement surgery to see if it improves physical activity and health while they wait.
-
Modular powered knee braces to help move better and reduce knee pain
A device with partial motor support is being tested in adults with knee OA to see if it can ease pain and reduce effort during daily activities.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.