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.