Efficacy of a Chinese herbal medicine in the treatment for patients with knee osteoarthritis: A randomised, double blind, placebo controlled pilot trial

Abstract

Introduction: Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) is a popular alternative therapy for osteoarthritis (OA), however the majority of CHM efficacy studies have been methodologically inadequate. This study was the first randomised, double-blind, and placebo-controlled clinical trial of a CHM formula in an Australian OA population. Methods: Eligible participants were randomised to receive either CHM or placebo over 12 weeks, with a one month follow-up. Each subject attended a total of six clinic visits. Study participants and investigators were both blinded to the block randomisation number code until the statistical analyses were completed. The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis (WOM..