Objective: A randomized, single-blind, controlled clinical trial is conducted to evaluate the effect of gua sha on the relief of chronic knee joint area pain, and to investigate the association between local skin surface and core temperature changes with chronic pain relief over knee after gua sha. Also, we want to observe the changes before and after gua sha in the local tissues of the knee joint area. We expect to provide more insights into the relevant mechanism of gua sha and relieving pain in chronic knee joint area and establish a complementary therapy for chronic knee joint pain. Materials and Methods: In this study, a total of 40 chronic knee joint pain participants will be recruited in the eligible conditions. After agreeing into the clinical study and signing the informed consent form, they will be randomized assigned into the treatment group (20 persons) and control group (20 people). Both groups will be tested for total of 12 days. For treatment group, 2 times of gua sha method will be applied within 12-day test period, the treatments will be on the first day and the fourth day respectively. The control group will be applied 2 times of hot pack method at same period intervals during the 12 days. Both groups will be measured the surface and core temperature of the applied site before and after each method. The visual analog scale (VAS) and the lower extremity functional scale (LEFS) and SF-12 quality of life questionnaire will be performed before and after the test. Ultrasound scans of knee will be performed before and after the test. After the data collection is completed, the analysis is performed in SPSS version 24. Student's t-test and one-way ANOVA methods will be used, with P\<0.05 as a significant result. Expected results: To establish the positive effect of gua sha therapy to relieve the chronic knee joint pain, and use data and images to infer the mechanism of gua sha therapy on relieving chronic knee joint pain.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
SUPPORTIVE_CARE
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
40
Taipei Veterans General Hospital
Taipei, Taiwan
RECRUITINGVisual Analogue Scale
To assess the pain degree. Scale: 0\~100 mm, higher scores, higher pain . Counted by each time recording.
Time frame: 10 Days
Lower Extremity Functional Scale
Evaluate the functional impairment of a patient with a disorder of one or both lower extremities. Scale: 0\~80, higher scores, higher lower extremity function Counted by each time recording.
Time frame: 10 Days
Short Form-12 Health Survey
Evaluate the health-related quality of life, use SF-12 questionnaire. Scale: 0\~100, higher scores, better life quality. Counted by each time recording and using mode conversion to get final scale.
Time frame: 3 Days
Ultrasound scans of knee
To observe the tissue of knee joint, compare quadriceps muscle changes and tendon thickness before and after treatment. No special measure, just take picture of ultrasound scans and compare the picture.
Time frame: 3 Days
surface temperature
To evaluate the knee joint surface temperature before and after treatment.
Time frame: 2 hours
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