In the intention to treat analysis, the WOMAC index
presented a greater, and significant, reduction in the intervention
group than in the control group (mean difference 23.9, 95%
confidence interval 15.0 to 32.8; the magnitude of the reduction
was greater in the subscale of functional activity (17.5, 11.0 to
24.0). The same result was observed in the pain visual analogue
scale (reduction 26.6, 18.5 to 34.8). A reduction of 53.9 was
observed in the total accumulated number of diclofenac tablets
for the intervention group compared with the control group
(24.7 to 83.1). The PQLC results indicate that acupuncture treat-
ment produces significant changes in physical capability and
psychological functioning (table 3).