Investigator(s)
| Submitter |
Kinzang Dechen Pemagatshel District Hospital Kinzang Dechen 
|
| Principal Investigator |
Kinzang Dechen Pemagatshel District Hospital Kinzang Dechen
|
| Co-Investigator(s) |
Tashi Tenzin Sarpang District Hospital Tashi Tenzin
|
| Co-Investigator(s) |
Kinzang Wangdi Dagana 10 Bedded Hospital Kinzang Wangdi
|
| Co-Investigator(s) |
Chesung Dorji Jigme Dorji Wangchuk Military Hospital, Dewathang Chesung Dorji
|
| Co-Investigator(s) |
Ugyen Chophel Wangdue Hospital, Wangdue Phodrang Ugyen Chophel
|
| Co-Investigator(s) |
Thinley Dorji Central Regional Referral Hospital, Gelephu Thinley Dorji
|
Title(s) and abstract
| Scientific title | Impact of Four-point Gold Needle Therapy on chronic knee pain among patients visiting Traditional Medicine Units in selected hospitals: a cross-sectional study |
| Public title | Impact of Four-point Gold Needle Therapy on chronic knee pain among patients visiting Traditional Medicine Units in selected hospitals: a cross-sectional study |
| Background | Globally, musculoskeletal-related disorders are a common condition and are projected to have 10.6 million prevalent cases in 2050, representing a 115% increase from 2020. Knee osteoarthritis is a common cause of knee pain and is projected to increase in prevalence to a billion cases in 2050 due to increased life expectancy and obesity. The availability of allopathic treatment for knee-related pain is a common practice around the world. Different treatment options are available and practiced in Traditional Medicine for knee-related pain. However, there is limited evidence documented in scientific literature. This study aims to describe the impact of Gold needle therapy in managing chronic knee-related pain. |
| Objectives | Research Question: What is the impact of Four-point Gold Needle Therapy on the intensity of chronic knee joint pain among patients visiting Traditional Medicine Units in selected hospitals? OBJECTIVES: Among patients with chronic knee joint pain being treated with the standard regime of Four-point (pumoi gozhi) Knee Joint Gold Needle Therapy at Traditional Medicine Units in selected hospitals from June to October 2025, to describe: ● Socio-demographic profile of patients. ● Clinical description of knee joint pain (site, duration, intensity, functional disability). ● Weekly assessment of pain score in the first month and monthly assessment of pain score for 3 months thereafter. ● Comparison of disability status at baseline and after the last session of therapy. |
| Study Methods | This study will employ a cross-sectional design with a sample size of 106 participants. The study will adopt a convenient sampling approach, including all knee pain patients who visit the respective hospitals during the study period. The intensity of knee pain will be assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) before and after administering Gold Needle Therapy. These tools will be used to assess pain and functional status at various time points to monitor the therapeutic effects over time. All data will be collected through self-designed survey questionnaires and observation after administering Gold Needle Therapy. |
| Expected outcomes and use of results | The study is expected to generate valuable data on the socio-demographic and clinical characteristics of patients with chronic knee joint pain receiving Four-point Gold Needle Therapy in selected Traditional Medicine Units. The findings will contribute to the evidence base for the effectiveness of Gold Needle Therapy in managing chronic knee joint pain. This evidence can support the integration of such traditional therapies into chronic pain management guidelines and inform policy decisions related to the strengthening and standardization of Traditional Medicine services. Additionally, the results may encourage further research and capacity building in traditional pain management approaches within the national healthcare system. |
| Keywords | Acupuncture; Complementary therapy; Medicine; Osteoarthritis; Traditional Medicine |
Research Details
| Student research | No |
| Start Date | 07-Apr-2025 |
| End Date | 31-Dec-2025 |
| Key Implementing Institution | Ministry of Health |
| Multi-country research | No |
| Nationwide research | No |
| Bhutan, Bhutan, Bhutan, Bhutan | |
| Research Domain(s) | Non-communicable diseases & Healthy Lifestyles |
| Research field(s) | Non-communicable Disease |
| Involves human subjects | Yes |
| Qualitative Study | |
| Data Collection | Primary data |
| Proposal reviewed by other Committee | No |