2.6.1. Baseline Assessments

Demographical information including age, gender, height, weight, body mass index, and affected TCM meridians distribution in addition to the WOMAC questionnaire was collected at the baseline 40 min before the acupuncture.

(1) Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index. The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) questionnaire is widely used to assess the symptoms and physical ability of patients with KOA or hip osteoarthritis [18]. This self-reporting questionnaire evaluates three dimensions, including pain (five questions), stiffness (two questions), and physical functions (17 questions), which can be completed within 5–10 min. An ordinal scale of zero to four was rated for each question.

(2) Affected TCM Meridian Distribution. Each participant was asked to identify the area of knee pain following TCM meridians and collaterals. Six options were given: lateral (Gallbladder Meridian of Foot—Shaoyang), anteromedial (Spleen Meridian of Foot—Taiyin), medial (Liver Meridian of Foot—Jueyin), posteromedial (Kidney Meridian of Foot—Shaoyin), posterior (Bladder Meridian of Foot—Taiyang), and anterolateral (Stomach Meridian of Foot—Yangming).