Efficacy of laser acupuncture for patients with knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Laser acupuncture is a needle-free form of acupuncture that uses focused light beams to stimulate traditional acupuncture points on the body. Researchers conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine whether this approach effectively treats knee osteoarthritis, a common condition causing joint pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. They analyzed 13 randomized controlled trials involving 611 patients with knee osteoarthritis who received either laser acupuncture or comparison treatments like sham therapy, electroacupuncture, or standard care. The researchers examined outcomes including pain levels measured by several scales, knee function, and range of motion (how far the knee could bend). The results showed that laser acupuncture did not provide statistically significant improvements in pain relief, physical function, or knee flexibility compared to the control treatments. While function showed a trend toward improvement, this finding was not strong enough to be considered clinically meaningful. The studies varied considerably in their treatment protocols, including different laser wavelengths (650-904 nanometers), dosages, and acupoint combinations, which made it difficult to draw firm conclusions. The authors noted that the quality of evidence was limited by this variability and called for larger, more standardized clinical trials using optimized laser parameters before laser acupuncture can be recommended as an effective treatment for knee osteoarthritis. If you are considering acupuncture for knee osteoarthritis, consult with a licensed acupuncturist to discuss traditional needle acupuncture and other evidence-based treatment options.

This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated laser acupuncture (LA) efficacy for knee osteoarthritis across 13 RCTs (n=611). Primary outcomes included pain (VAS, WOMAC-Pain, NPRS, PI), function (WOMAC-Function), and knee flexion ROM. Meta-analysis revealed no significant improvement in WOMAC pain (SMD 0.04; 95% CI -0.36 to 0.45), pVAS (SMD 0.12; 95% CI -0.91 to 1.15), NPRS (SMD -0.23; 95% CI -0.58 to 0.12), function (SMD -0.32; 95% CI -0.94 to 0.30), or flexion (SMD 0.10; 95% CI -0.39 to 0.59). Substantial heterogeneity (I²>70%) was attributed to variable wavelength (650-904 nm), dosage, and acupoint protocols. Risk of bias assessment using RoB 2 identified methodological limitations. Clinical takeaway: Current evidence does not support LA as an effective monotherapy for KOA. Practitioners should await standardized, adequately powered trials before incorporating LA into clinical protocols for knee osteoarthritis management.