Effect of 10.6μm CO2 laser moxibustion on the fastest walking time of 15 meters in patients with knee osteoarthritis

Abstract Background To observe the effect of 10.6μm CO2 laser moxibustion (LM) on the fastest 15-meter walking time of patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA). Methods 392 patients with KOA who met the inclusion criteria were randomized into the LM treatment group and sham LM control group (ratio 1:1). LM or sham LM was used to treat the affected part of the knee joint, 3 times a week for 4 weeks. Results In the LM group, the fastest walking time of 15 meters at Week 4 and Week 12 was shorter than that before treatment (all P < 0.05); In the sham LM group, there was no significant difference in the fastest walking time of 15 meters after treatment (all P > 0.05); The fastest walking time of 15 meters in CO2 LM group was shorter than that in sham LM group at Week 4and Week 12 (all P < 0.05). Conclusion CO2 LM can significantly improve the fastest 15-meter walking time of patients with knee osteoarthritis, and its curative effect can last for at least 8 weeks after treatment. The fastest 15-meter walking time can reflect changes in the walking ability of patients with knee osteoarthritis.