Objective:

To systematically evaluate the effects of Wuqinxi (WQX) on joint function, muscle strength, balance function, and pain in patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA), emphasizing pain as a key focus area.

Key Findings:

• WQX significantly improved Lysholm scores (MD = 6.34, 95% CI: 2.32 to 10.36, p = 0.002).
• WQX significantly improved WOMAC scores (SMD = -0.67, 95% CI: -1.08 to -0.27, p = 0.001).
• WQX significantly improved peak torque of knee muscles (SMD = 0.50, 95% CI: 0.36 to 0.65, p < 0.00001).
• WQX significantly improved dynamic fall index (DFI) scores (SMD = -0.95, 95% CI: -1.15 to -0.75, p < 0.00001).
• WQX showed no significant effects on time to contact test (TCT), overall stability index (OSI), or VAS scores.

Interpretation:

WQX may be an effective complementary therapy for KOA, improving joint function and muscle strength, but the evidence is limited by various factors, including geographic concentration and risk of bias.

Limitations:

• Geographic concentration of studies may limit generalizability.
• Clinical heterogeneity among trials affects the reliability of findings.
• Risk of bias in included studies may compromise the validity of results.
• Low-to-moderate certainty for several outcomes indicates the need for cautious interpretation.

Conclusion:

Further high-quality RCTs are needed to validate the findings regarding WQX's effectiveness in KOA, emphasizing the importance of addressing the identified limitations.