Comparing the effects of auricular seed acupressure and foot reflexology on neonatal abstinence syndrome: A modified double blind clinical trial

BackgroundThe neonates of addicted women are at risk for neonatal abstinence syndrome. This study aimed to compare the effects of auricular seed acupressure and foot reflexology on neonatal abstinence syndrome among the neonates of addicted women.MethodsThirty one neonates of addicted women were purposively recruited and randomly allocated through coin flipping to receive either foot reflexology then seed acupressure or seed acupressure then foot reflexology. Interventions were performed in two successive days with a 12-h washout interval. Foot reflexology was applied for 15 min to the first horizontal zone of the sole while seed acupressure was applied for 24 h through attaching acupuncture-specific ear seeds to the posterior surface of the auricle on the SJ 17 acupoint. The symptoms of abstinence syndrome were assessed using Finnegan Neonatal Abstinence Scoring System before and after foot reflexology, and before, 15 min, and 24 h after the onset of the seed acupressure intervention. Symptom assessment was done by a research assistant who was blind to the study intervention.FindingsThe mean score of abstinence symptoms for the foot reflexology intervention significantly reduced from 10.32 ± 2.10 at pretest to 7.87 ± 2.04 at posttest (P < 0.001). Moreover, the mean score of abstinence symptoms for the seed acupressure intervention significantly reduced from 9.70 ± 2.10 to 8.70 ± 1.46 at the first posttest (P = 0.007) and 7.32 ± 1.42 at the second posttest (P < 0.001). The change in the mean score of the foot reflexology intervention was significantly greater than the change in the mean score at the first seed acupressure posttest (P < 0.001) but did not significantly differ from the change in the second seed acupressure posttest (P = 0.880).ConclusionBoth foot reflexology and auricular seed acupressure has significant effects on abstinence symptoms. Of course, 15-min seed acupressure is less effective than 15-min foot reflexology, while 24-h seed acupressure is as effective as 15-min foot reflexology in alleviating abstinence symptoms.     

Randomised controlled trial of reflexology for menopausal symptoms

Objective Clinical experience suggests that reflexology may have beneficial effects on the symptoms occurring in menopausal women, particularly psychological symptoms. This study aims to examine that effect rigorously.
Design Randomised controlled trial with two parallel arms.
Setting School of Complementary Health in Exeter, Devon, UK.
Sample Seventy-six women, aged between 45 and 60 years, reporting menopausal symptoms.
Methods Women were randomised to receive nine sessions of either reflexology or nonspecific foot massage (control) by four qualified reflexologists given over a period of 19 weeks.
Main outcome measures The Women's Health Questionnaire (WHQ), the primary measures being the subscores for anxiety and depression. Severity (visual analogue scale, VAS) and frequency of flushes and night sweats.
Results Mean (SD) scores for anxiety fell from 0.43 (0.29) to 0.22 (0.25) in the reflexology group and from 0.37 (0.27) to 0.27 (0.29) in the control group over the course of treatment. Mean (SD) scores for depression fell from 0.37 (0.25) to 0.20(0.24) in the reflexology group and from 0.36 (0.23) to 0.20 (0.21) in the control (foot massage) group over the same period. For both scores there was strong evidence of a time effect (   P < 0.001  ) but no evidence of a time–group interaction (   P > 0.2  ). Similar changes were found for severity of hot flushes and night sweats. In the control group, 14/37 believed they had not received true reflexology.
Conclusion Foot reflexology was not shown to be more effective than non-specific foot massage in the treatment of psychological symptoms occurring during the menopause.     

A novel sensorimotor movement and walking intervention to improve balance and gait in women

PurposeThis study evaluated the effectiveness of a 5-day mind-body exercise (MBE) program on measures of quality of life, balance, balance confidence, mobility and gait in community-dwelling women.MethodsThe MBE program was a 5-day retreat where multiple sessions of Feldenkrais^®-based sensorimotor movement training and walking were performed daily. Forty-six women aged 40–80 years old participated in either the MBE program or maintained normal daily activity. Two-footed eyes-closed balance, gait characteristics, mobility via the Timed Up and Go test, balance confidence and quality of life were assessed before and after the intervention.ResultsWomen in the MBE group experienced improvements in mobility (6%; p = 0.01), stride length (3%; p = 0.008), single limb support time (1.3%; 0.006), balance confidence (5.2%; p < 0.001) and quality of life (p < 0.05) while the control group did not change.ConclusionThis short-term intensive program may be beneficial to women at risk of mobility limitations.     

Reflexology has an acute (immediate) haemodynamic effect in healthy volunteers: A double-blind randomised controlled trial

Reflexologists claim that massage to specific points of the feet increases blood supply to internal organs. This study measured changes in cardiovascular parameters in subjects receiving reflexology to areas of their feet thought to correspond to the heart (intervention) compared with other areas which are not (control).Method16 reflexology-naive healthy volunteers received an active and control reflexology treatment in an RCT, double-blind repeated measures study.Main outcome measures‘Beat-to-beat’ continuous measurement of selected cardiovascular parameters, State Anxiety Inventory.ResultsCardiac index decreased significantly in the intervention group during left foot treatment (LFT) (baseline mean 2.6; standard deviation (SD) 0.75; 95% CI ± 0.38 vs. LFT mean 2.45; SD 0.68; CI 0.35), effect size (p = 0.035, omega squared effect (w2) = 0.002; w = 0.045).ConclusionReflexology massage applied to the upper part of the left foot may have a modest specific effect on the cardiac index of healthy volunteers.     

Rusie Dutton traditional Thai exercise promotes health related physical fitness and quality of life in menopausal women

ObjectiveTo examine the effects of “Rusie Dutton” on health and quality of life in menopausal women.MethodMenopausal women (aged 45–59) were recruited and randomly allocated to 2 groups. Rusie Dutton group (n = 24) practiced Rusie Dutton conducted by Wat Pho Thai Traditional Massage School for 13 weeks. The control group (n = 26) was assigned to a waiting list and received no intervention. BW, BMI, restingHR, BP, flexibility, VO₂max, and MENQOL including vasomotor, physical, psychosocial and sexual domains were measured at the beginning and the end. A paired-sample t-test and independent sample t-test were used for statistical analysis.ResultsSignificant improvement was found in all variables within group (p < .05) in Rusie Dutton group, and a significant difference between groups was found (p < .05) in all variables except BW and BMI. Therefore, it is concluded that the traditional Thai exercise Rusie Dutton can promote health related physical fitness and QOL in menopausal women.     

Exploratory study on the efficacy of reflexology for pain threshold and tolerance using an ice-pain experiment and sham TENS control

ObjectivesTo explore the efficacy of reflexology on acute pain induced in healthy human subjects using a sham TENS control.DesignAn ice-pain experiment was undertaken in which the volunteers (n = 15; 11 female and 4 male with a mean ± SEM age of 37.7 ± 2.6 years) were required to immerse their non-dominant hand in a container of ice-slurry whilst two indices of pain, i.e. threshold, (the time taken for subjects to experience the first pain sensation) and tolerance, (the time when the subject is unable to tolerate any further pain), were measured.ResultsCompared to control data, reflexology increased acute pain threshold (F_(1,14) = 4.5958, p < 0.05) and tolerance (F_(1,14) = 5.1095, p < 0.05).ConclusionsThese findings demonstrate that reflexology produces antinociceptive effects in a controlled experiment and suggest the possibility that reflexology may be useful on its own or as an adjunct to medication in the treatment of pain conditions in man.     

A pilot randomised controlled trial exploring the effects of antenatal reflexology on labour outcomes

Objectiveto investigate the effects of antenatal reflexology on labour outcomes.Designsecondary analysis of a pilot three-armed randomised controlled trial conducted between July 2012 and September 2013.Settinga large UK inner city hospital maternity department.Participantsninety primiparous women with a singleton pregnancy experiencing low back and / or pelvic girdle pain.Interventionssix weekly 30-minute reflexology treatments compared to sham (footbath) treatments or usual antenatal care only.Measurementslabour outcome data including labour onset, duration of the second stage of labour, epidural and Entonox usage, and mode of delivery. Participant feedback was collected prior to each treatment.Findingslabour outcomes were collected for 61 women (95.3%) who completed the study. The second stage of labour duration data, available for 42 women (62.5%) who had vaginal births, showed a mean reduction of 44 minutes in the reflexology group (73.56 minutes; SD= 53.78) compared to the usual care (117.92 minutes; SD=56.15) (p<0.05) and footbath groups (117.4 minutes; SD=68.54) (p=0.08). No adverse effects were reported.Key conclusionsin this trial antenatal reflexology reduced labour duration for primiparous women who had experienced low back and/ or pelvic girdle pain during their pregnancy, compared with usual care and footbaths.Implications for practicereflexology is suitable for use during pregnancy, is safe and enjoyable and may reduce labour duration. Midwives may wish to recommend reflexology to promote normal childbirth and facilitate women centred care.Trial registrationthis trial was listed with the International Standard Randomised Controlled Trial Number Register (ISRCTN26607527).     

Impact of hot flashes and night sweats on carotid intima-media thickness and bone mineral density among postmenopausal women

Objective

To determine whether postmenopausal women with vasomotor symptoms have a lower bone mineral density (BMD) and a higher carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) than those without vasomotor symptoms.

Methods

Postmenopausal women with (n = 87) or without (n = 117) vasomotor symptoms who did not receive hormone therapy were included. The CIMT and BMD were determined and the relationship with vasomotor symptoms evaluated.

Results

The presence of both hot flashes and night sweats was associated with a CIMT of more than 0.80 mm after adjusting for age, time since menopause, and body mass index (adjusted odds ratio 3.2; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.3-4.5; P < 0.001). The adjusted odds ratio for a CIMT higher than 0.80 mm in women with night sweats was 3.6 (95% CI 1.5-8.9; P = 0.006); the adjusted odds ratio in women with hot flashes was 23.1 (95% CI 9.1-58.4; P < 0.001). The mean CIMT was 0.65 ± 0.08 mm in the asymptomatic group and 0.81 ± 0.06 mm in the symptomatic group (P < 0.001). The mean lumbar (L1, L2, and L3) and total hip BMD values were lower in the symptomatic group (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Hot flashes and night sweats in postmenopausal women are associated with a higher CIMT and a lower BMD.     

Efficacy of growth hormone supplementation with ultrashort GnRH antagonist in IVF/ICSI for poor responders; randomized controlled trial

ObjectivesTo compare the ICSI-ET outcomes in poor responders who underwent ovarian stimulation by the ultrashort GnRH antagonist protocol with or without adjuvant GH injection.Material and methodsThis randomized controlled study was conducted at Al-Azhar University from December-2018 to June-2019 upon 156 participants. All patients received the same preparations. After randomization, in the study group, women have received GH 4 IU/day subcutaneous injection from the second day of the cycle stopped one day before ovum pickup. While in the control group, women have received subcutaneous saline in the same dosing as in the study group. After intervention, all procedures were the same in both groups. The main outcome measure was the clinical pregnancy rate. Statistical analysis was based on the intention-to-treat population.ResultsBoth groups were comparable with regard their baseline characteristics (p-values > 0.05). Ovulation characteristics were comparable (p-values > 0.05). The level of E2 is significantly (p-value = 0.003) higher in the GH group. The oocyte retrieved number was significantly (p-value < 0.001) higher in the GH group 4.94 ± 1.77 than in the control group 3.74 ± 1.82. The mean number of MII oocytes was significantly (p-value < 0.001) higher in the GH group 3.3 ± 1.36 than in the control group 2.29 ± 1.24. Fertilization characteristics, implantation rate, pregnancy rate were comparable (p-values > 0.05).ConclusionDespite the fact that this study showed no significant increase in the clinical and chemical pregnancy rates by the addition of GH to the ultrashort antagonist protocol in poor responders, the number of retrieved oocytes was significantly higher in the GH group.Clinical trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03759301.     

The effects of foot reflexology massage on anxiety in patients following coronary artery bypass graft surgery: A randomized controlled trial

ObjectiveTo examine the effects of foot reflexology massage on anxiety in patients following CABG surgery.MethodsIn this randomized controlled trial, 80 patients who met the inclusion criteria were conveniently sampled and randomly allocated to the experimental and control groups after they were matched on age and gender. On the days following surgery, the experimental group received foot reflexology massage on their left foot 20 min a day for 4 days, while the control group was given a gentle foot rub with oil for one minute. Anxiety was measured using the short-form of the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory and the Visual Analogue Scale-Anxiety.ResultsBoth measurement instruments confirmed a significant decrease in anxiety following the foot reflexology massage.ConclusionThe significant decrease in anxiety in the experimental group following the foot reflexology massage supports the use of this complementary therapy technique for the relief of anxiety.     

A pilot study of the effectiveness of reflexology in treating idiopathic constipation in women

ObjectivesConstipation is a common problem in the UK, affecting up to 20% of the population. Reflexologists claim that reflexology can be beneficial in the treatment of constipation. The aim of this exploratory pilot study was to determine the effectiveness of reflexology in treating idiopathic constipation in women and it is the first study of the effectiveness of reflexology for the treatment of women with idiopathic constipation defined according to Rome II criteria.MethodsNineteen female patients referred to a specialist biofeedback service with idiopathic constipation defined by Rome II criteria were recruited. A course of reflexology treatment (weekly for six weeks) was given. Patients' subjective perception of constipation was recorded as well as the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HAD), the Short form 36 (SF36), whole gut transit and the Holistic Complementary and Alternative Medicine Questionnaire (HCAMQ) before and after the intervention.ResultsAll participants completed the intervention and none were lost to follow-up. Ninety-four percent of participants identified their constipation to be improved to some extent. Ten participants had improved colonic transit times and two patients had normalised colonic transit. Ten patients (53%, p = 0.19) demonstrated an improved anxiety score and 11 participants (58%, p = 0.14) demonstrated an improved depression score on the HAD scales. Improvement was seen in general health, mental health and vitality on the SF36 scale, with vitality improving significantly (p < 0.05). Sixty-three percent of participants had a more positive attitude (p = 0.03) towards CAM and holistic health following treatment.ConclusionsThis study shows that in this sample reflexology has potential benefit for treating idiopathic constipation in women. Further randomised trials are required.     

Fibroid Surgery and Long-Term Improvement in Bladder Symptoms

ObjectiveShort-term studies have demonstrated improvement in urinary symptoms after fibroid debulking surgery, yet long-term data are lacking. This study assessed the long-term impact of fibroid debulking on urinary symptoms several years postoperatively.MethodsThis case series prospectively investigated changes in urinary symptoms of women who underwent fibroid debulking surgery by several gynaecological surgeons at one centre (2011-2016). A follow-up demographics questionnaire and the Urinary Distress Inventory (UDI) were administered. Changes in total UDI scores and UDI subscale scores from preoperative baseline to long-term follow-up were calculated.ResultsThirty participants were recruited from the original cohort of 61 women (49% long-term follow-up). There were significant improvements in total UDI scores (P < 0.001), obstructive subscale score (P < 0.001), and irritative subscale score (P < 0.001) 2–7 years postoperatively. Stress subscale scores were not significantly improved even in a subgroup of patients with significant baseline bother (P = 0.101). Six of eight women (75%) were cured of bothersome urge urinary incontinence, and three of eight women (37.5%) were cured of bothersome stress urinary incontinence. Baseline fibroid characteristics or type of surgery did not significantly influence outcomes. There were no significant demographic differences between women with sustained improvements and women with no improvement or worsening symptoms. The results are considered Level III evidence as per the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care Levels of Evidence.ConclusionSurgical fibroid removal produces long-term improvement in most bladder symptoms except for stress-related symptoms that persist over time. Women with bothersome urinary symptoms should be investigated for fibroids and counselled on potential long-term benefits of debulking surgery.     

The effect of foot reflexology and back massage on hemodialysis patients' fatigue and sleep quality

ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to examine the effectiveness of foot reflexology and back massage on optimizing the sleep quality and reducing the fatigue of hemodialysis patients.MethodsThe study includes 105 volunteer patients who were registered at a private dialysis clinic and were receiving hemodialysis treatment. Foot reflexology and back massage were administered to the patients two times a week for four weeks. The Visual Analogue Scale for Fatigue and the Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index were used to collect data.ResultsThe differences between the pretest and posttest score averages of the patients on the Visual Analogue Scale for Fatigue and the Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index were statistically significant (p < 0.001).ConclusionFoot reflexology and back massage were shown to improve the sleep quality and reduce the fatigue of hemodialysis patients. Compared to back massage, foot reflexology was determined to be more effective.     

Randomised controlled trial of the effectiveness of using foot reflexology to improve quality of sleep amongst Taiwanese postpartum women

Objective

to examine the effectiveness of using foot reflexology to improve sleep quality in postpartum women.

Design and setting

randomised controlled trial, conducted at two postpartum centres in northern Taiwan.

Participants

65 postpartum women reporting poor quality of sleep were recruited from July 2007 to December 2007.

Interventions

participants were assigned randomly to either an intervention or a control group. Participants in both groups received the same care except for reflexology therapy. The intervention group received a single 30-minute foot reflexology session at the same time each evening for five consecutive days. Sessions were administered by a certified nurse reflexologist.

Measures and findings

the outcome measure was the Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI), and this was performed at baseline and post test. Mean PQSI scores for both groups declined over time between baseline and post test. Using a generalised estimation equation to control several confounding variables, the changes in mean PSQI were found to be significantly lower in the intervention group (β=−2.24, standard error=0.38, p<0.001) than in the control group.

Conclusion

an intervention involving foot reflexology in the postnatal period significantly improved the quality of sleep.

Implications for practice

midwives should evaluate maternal sleep quality and design early intervention programmes to improve quality of sleep in order to increase maternal biopsychosocial well-being. Midwives interested in complementary therapies should be encouraged to obtain training in reflexology and to apply it in clinical settings if it is allowed.     

Impact of treatment modality on overall survival in women with advanced endometrial cancer: A National Cancer Database analysis

ObjectiveTo evaluate overall survival (OS) in women with advanced endometrial cancer (EC) following chemotherapy alone (CT), neoadjuvant chemotherapy and interval debulking surgery (NACT + IDS) or primary cytoreductive surgery and chemotherapy (PCS + CT).MethodsThe National Cancer Database (NCDB) was queried for patients with stage III/IV EC from 2004 to 2015. Univariable and multivariable Cox proportional hazards analyses assessed the impact of treatment modality upon OS.ResultsOf 48,179 women identified, 5531 received CT (11.5%), 2614 NACT + IDS (5.4%) and 40,034 PCS + CT (83.1%). Median OS was 11.1 months for CT, 25.1 months for NACT + IDS and 60.9 months for PCS + CT (p < 0.001). On multivariate analysis, NACT + IDS (HR 0.44 (0.40, 0.49); p < 0.001) and PCS + CT (HR 0.32 (0.30, 0.35); p < 0.001) were associated with improved OS vs. CT alone. Age, African American race, income, higher Charlson comorbidity index and grade were predictors of worse OS (p < 0.001). On subgroup analysis by stage (III/IV) and histology (Type I/II), PCS + CT improved OS for all patients, compared to NACT + IDS (p < 0.001) and CT (p < 0.001). NACT + IDS was associated with improved OS vs. CT in stage III type I (HR 0.50; 95% CI 0.38, 0.67; p < 0.001), stage IV type I (HR 0.43; 95% CI 0.35, 0.52; p < 0.001), and stage IV type II EC (HR 0.43; 95% CI 0.36, 0.51; p < 0.001), but not stage III type II EC (HR 0.76; 95% CI 0.56, 1.03; p = 0.08).ConclusionsIn women with advanced EC, PCS + CT is associated with improved OS compared to NACT + IDS or CT alone, regardless of stage or histology. Additionally, NACT + IDS is associated with superior OS in stage III type I and all stage IV EC compared to CT alone. Where feasible, surgery should be incorporated into treatment planning in women with advanced EC.     

Reflexology has no immediate haemodynamic effect in patients with chronic heart failure: A double blind randomised controlled trial

AimsThis study measured the effects of reflexology in 12 reflexology-naive patients with chronic heart failure in a placebo-controlled, double blind randomised controlled study design.MethodOutcomes included ‘beat-to-beat’ non-invasive continuous measurement of cardiovascular parameters and measurement of state of anxiety and pain/discomfort.ResultsThere were no changes in any of the haemodynamic parameters measured (all p > 0.05). Perceived state of anxiety was significantly reduced post treatment in the control group only (p = 0.03).ConclusionsReflexology applied to the feet of patients with chronic heart failure appears to have no immediate haemodynamic effects. While any long term treatment effect is uncertain, it would appear that reflexology is safe for use in this patient group.     

Effects of Dance and Music on Pain and Fear During Childbirth

ObjectiveTo test the effects of dance and music and music alone on pain and fear during the active phase of labor among nulliparous women.DesignSingle-blind, randomized, controlled study.SettingA maternity and children’s hospital in Konya Province, Turkey.ParticipantsA total of 93 nulliparous, pregnant women who were in the active phase of labor at term gestation with single fetuses in cephalic presentation.MethodsWe randomly assigned participants to one of three groups: dance and music, music alone, and usual care (control). We collected data four times during labor using a personal information form, labor monitoring form, visual analog scale (VAS), and Version A of the Wijma Delivery Expectancy/Experience Questionnaire (W-DEQA) to measure fear.ResultsBased on multivariate analysis of variance, the effect of time and study group interaction on VAS and W-DEQA scores was statistically significant (p < .05), and the effect of study groups and time on VAS scores was statistically significant (p < .05). The effect of the study groups on W-DEQA scores was statistically significant (p < .05), but there was no statistically significant effect of time on W-DEQA scores (p > .05).ConclusionDance and music and music alone significantly reduced pain and fear in nulliparous women during the active phase of labor. These interventions are easy for nurses and midwives to use, affordable, and effective, and they enable a woman and her partner to be actively engaged in the woman’s care.     

What is the effect of regular group exercise on maternal psychological outcomes and common pregnancy complaints? An assessor blinded RCT

Objectiveto examine the effects of supervised group exercise on maternal psychological outcomes and commonly reported pregnancy complaints.Designan observer-blinded randomized controlled trial.SettingNorwegian School of Sport Sciences, Oslo, Norway.Participants105 sedentary, nulliparous pregnant women, mean age 30.7(±4.0) years, pre-pregnancy BMI 23.8 (±4.3), were assigned to either exercise (n=52) or control group (n= 53) at mean gestation week 17.7 (±4.2).Interventionthe exercise intervention followed ACOG guidelines and included a 60 minutes general fitness class, with 40 minutes of endurance training/aerobic and 20 minutes of strength training and stretching/relaxation, performed at least twice per week for a minimum of 12 weeks.Measurementsoutcome measures were assessed through standardized interviews pre- and post-intervention (gestation week 36.6, ±0.9), and included psychological variables related to quality of life, well-being, body image and pregnancy depression, as well as assessment of 13 commonly reported pregnancy complaints.Findingspost-intervention, using intention to treat (ITT) analysis, women randomized to exercise rated their health significantly better compared to women in the control group (p=0.02) and reported less fatigue related to everyday activities (p=0.04). Women with complete exercise adherence (≥24 sessions) had significantly better scores on measurements of feelings related to sadness, hopelessness and anxiety (p<0.01), compared to the control group. Contradictory, the control group reported higher life enjoyment (p<0.01). There were no significant group differences in body-image or pregnancy depression. With respect to analysing pregnancy complaints according to ITT, no differences between the groups were found. A comparison of the women who attended ≥19 (80%, n=21) or ≥24 (100%, n=14) exercise sessions with the control-participants, showed that fewer women in the exercise group reported nausea/vomiting and numbness/poor circulation in legs.Key conclusion and implication for practiseparticipation in regular group exercise during pregnancy contributed to improvements in some variables related to maternal well-being and quality of life. Women with high exercise adherence had significantly better results on several health variables reaping the highest benefits. A qualitative study exploring the barriers of women in achieving recommended amount of activity may be necessary to understand this population and developing better clinical practice educational tools.     

Efficacy and safety of oral Nigella sativa oil for symptomatic treatment of knee osteoarthritis: A double-blind,randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial

Background and purposeThe oil of Nigella sativa (NS) seeds has analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. Therefore, the efficacy and safety of NS oil in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis were evaluated.Materials and methodsOne hundred and sixteen patients aged 50–70 years were randomly assigned to take 2.5 mL NS oil (N = 58) or placebo (N = 58) orally every 8 h for 1 month. WOMAC (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index) was the primary outcome measure and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain, number of 500 mg acetaminophen tablets taken per day during the trial, patients’ satisfaction with the interventions, complete blood count and the blood levels of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, creatinine and blood urea nitrogen were the secondary outcome measures.ResultsFifty two and 54 patients respectively in the NS oil and placebo groups completed the study. The VAS scores were decreased by 33.96 ± 17.04% (NS oil group) and 9.21 ± 0.32% (placebo group) (p < 0.001), and WOMAC total scores were decreased by 27.72 ± 18.61% (NS oil group) and 1.34 ± 2.31% (placebo group) (p < 0.001) compared to baseline. The NS oil reduced the dose of acetaminophen significantly compared with the placebo (p = 0.001). The patients were significantly more satisfied with the NS oil than the placebo (p < 0.001). The NS oil had no significant effect on the other variables. There was no side effect.ConclusionOral NS oil safely reduces the osteoarthritis symptoms and analgesic dose in the knee osteoarthritis patients.