Walking gait patterns in knee osteoarthritis (OA) patients are significantly improved after acupuncture, probably due to pain relief, according to Taiwanese researchers. Twenty patients with bilateral medial knee OA were randomly assigned either to a standard 30-minute electro-acupuncture treatment or a sham treatment. Visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores decreased significantly after acupuncture in both groups, although the mean change in VAS scores for the experimental group was twice that of the sham group. While no significant changes were found in gait variables in the sham group, the experimental group showed significant increases in gait speed and step length, as well as in several joint angle and movement measurements. The authors conclude that the improved gait in the experimental group was associated with pain relief after treatment.

Immediate effects of acupuncture on gait patterns in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Chin Med J (Engl). 2010 Jan;123(2):165-72.