[Electroacupuncture on motor function in patients with primary osteoporosis: a randomized controlled trial].

Objective: To observe the effect of electroacupuncture on motor function and muscle state in patients with primary osteoporosis (POP).

Methods: A total of 60 female patients with POP were randomized into an observation group (30 cases, 1 case dropped off) and a control group (30 cases, 1 case dropped off). On the basis of adjusting lifestyle, caltrate was given orally in the control group, 2 pills a day for 4 weeks. On the basis of the treatment in the control group, electroacupuncture was applied at Zusanli (ST 36), Yanglingquan (GB 34), Ganshu (BL 18), Pishu (BL 20), Shenshu (BL 23), etc. in the observation group, with disperse-dense wave of 2 Hz/10 Hz in frequency, once every other day, 3 times a week for 4 weeks. The time of timed up-and-go test (TUGT) and the value of 10 m maximal walking speed (10 m MWS) before and after treatment were compared in the two groups, and the Young's modulus values of bilateral multifidus muscles in prone position and sitting position before and after treatment were compared by real-time shear wave elastography (SWE) in the two groups.

Results: After treatment, the TUGT time was decreased compared before treatment in the observation group (<0.01), and that in the observation group was shorter than the control group (<0.01). After treatment, the value of 10 m MWS test was increased compared before treatment in the observation group (<0.05). After treatment, the Young's modulus values of bilateral multifidus muscles in prone position and sitting position were increased compared before treatment in the observation group (<0.01); except for the left side in sitting position, the Young's modulus values of multifidus muscles in the observation group were higher than those in the control group (<0.01, <0.05).

Conclusion: On the basis of oral caltrate, electroacupuncture can improve the motor function and muscle state in patients with POP.