An Experimental Study To Identify The Role Of Meridian Points With Specific Exercise Program In Managing Knee Pain And Mobility
Keywords:
Knee osteoarthritis, Acupressure, Physiotherapy, Pelvic floor, Root Chakra, Iliohypogastric plexus, VAS, KOOS, Integrative therapyAbstract
Background:The prevalence of knee pain has markedly increased in recent years, largely driven by rising cases of knee osteoarthritis (OA), a degenerative condition that significantly impairs mobility and quality of life. Traditional interventions, including pharmacotherapy, physiotherapy, and surgical procedures such as total knee arthroplasty (TKA), often fall short in providing long-term relief. Additionally, systemic factors like osteoporosis, hormonal imbalances, and pelvic floor dysfunction—particularly among women—further exacerbate joint deterioration and functional limitations.
Objective:This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of an integrative rehabilitation model combining physiotherapeutic exercise with acupressure-based stimulation of specific meridian points and pelvic plexuses (notably the Iliohypogastric Plexus, also referred to as the Muladhara or Root Chakra), in reducing pain and improving function in individuals with knee osteoarthritis.
Methods:A total of 60 participants diagnosed with knee OA were randomly assigned into two equal groups (n=30 each): Group I (Exercise-only) and Group II (Exercise + Acupressure). Both groups were assessed pre- and post-intervention using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain and the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) for function. Group II received acupressure at points ST36, ST35, SP9, and SP10, as well as stimulation of pelvic-associated energy centers.
Results:Both groups demonstrated statistically significant improvements post-treatment; however, Group II showed superior outcomes. VAS scores in Group II dropped from 5.79 ± 2.13 to 0.79 ± 0.77 (p<0.001), and KOOS scores improved dramatically from 45.31 ± 15.71 to 3.81 ± 4.55 (p<0.001). Improvements were consistent across age and gender subgroups. Right-sided knee involvement was predominant, and occupational patterns suggested a correlation between repetitive tasks and symptom onset. Group II's enhanced outcomes may be attributed to neurophysiological and energetic modulation via acupressure.
Conclusion:This study highlights the potential of a hybrid intervention incorporating acupressure and physiotherapy in managing knee OA. Specifically, targeting acupoints and pelvic plexuses may offer synergistic benefits by addressing both local joint dysfunction and proximal biomechanical imbalances. While the findings are promising, further research with larger populations and imaging-based outcome measures is needed to explore long-term structural effects and validate the physiological mechanisms underlying acupressure-based therapies
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TY - JOURAU - Manik, Rajesh PY - 2023/02/06 SP - T1 - NEURO-ANATOMICAL AND PHYSIOLOGICAL STUDY ON SHADACHAKRAVL - DO - 10.47750/pnr.2023.14.S01.149 JO - Journal of Pharmaceutical results.
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