Effect of Wu Qin Xi exercises on pain and function in people with knee osteoarthritis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background As a chronic disease that affects the whole world, there is no definite treatment for knee osteoarthritis (KOA). Wu Qin Xi (WQX) is still in preliminary exploration as a traditional Chinese exercise in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee. The purpose of this study was to conduct a meta-analysis of previous studies and to investigate the efficacy of the WQX exercises on pain and function in patients with KOA. Methods We searched six databases (Pubmed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Wanfang, CQVIP, and CNKI) for articles on WQX for KOA up to May 10, 2022. Literature search, study selection, data extraction, and quality evaluation were performed by two independent authors. In terms of statistical results, we presented mean differences (MD), 95% CI, and I-2 to show heterogeneity, and, based on that, we chose either a random effects model or a fixed effects model. Results Seven studies were selected for inclusion in this meta-analysis. The WQX intervention group showed statistical differences for both the total Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) score and its various bylaws, the Visual Analogue Score (VAS), and the presence of general functional exercise in the control group. We also demonstrated the clinically meaningful efficacy of WQX treatment by calculating minimum clinical importance difference (MCID) values that met the MCID values on the WOMAC score. A sensitivity analysis was also performed in this study by subgroup analysis for greater heterogeneity, and it was inferred that the difference in follow-up time was a likely source of heterogeneity. Conclusion Despite some limitations, the current study showed a definite effect of WQX in improving pain symptoms and joint function in patients with KOA. Systematic review registration https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier: CRD42022332209.