Community-Based Acupuncture for Geriatric Osteoporosis: A Prospective Feasibility Case Series in Primary Health Posts

Puspo Wardoyo; Chantika Mahadini

doi:10.36733/medicamento.v12i2.12801

Authors

Puspo Wardoyo Institut Teknologi, Sains, dan Kesehatan RS dr. Soepraoen https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4698-3009
Chantika Mahadini Institut Teknologi, Sains, dan Kesehatan RS dr. Soepraoen https://orcid.org/0009-0007-6850-3439

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.36733/medicamento.v12i2.12801

Keywords:

acupuncture, feasibility study, geriatric care, osteoporosis, public health services

Abstract

Background: Community-based evidence regarding acupuncture for older adults with osteoporosis is limited, particularly in resource-constrained primary healthcare settings.
Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of implementing a community-based acupuncture protocol and assess short-term clinical changes following the intervention in older women with osteoporosis at the Mangliawan Elderly Community Integrated Health Post, Malang Regency, Indonesia.
Methods: A prospective, single-group case study was conducted involving 25 women aged 61–72 years with osteoporosis. All participants received 10 acupuncture sessions over five weeks. Feasibility was evaluated based on intervention adherence, session completion, and completeness of data. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain, the Barthel Index for activities of daily living, and the WHOQOL-BREF for quality of life.
Results: All participants completed the intervention according to the study protocol, with complete records for all treatment sessions and no reported adverse events. The mean VAS score decreased from 6.30 ± 0.91 to 0.80 ± 0.52 (p < 0.001), while the mean Barthel Index increased from 62.0 ± 8.9 to 84.0 ± 7.4 (p < 0.001). Scores in all WHOQOL-BREF domains improved.
Conclusion: Community-based acupuncture is feasible for implementation in geriatric primary care and has the potential to reduce pain, increase functional independence, and improve quality of life. Further controlled studies with larger samples and longer follow-up are needed to confirm its clinical efficacy.

Author Biographies

Puspo Wardoyo, Institut Teknologi, Sains, dan Kesehatan RS dr. Soepraoen

Diploma III Acupuncture study program, Faculty of Science and Technology

Chantika Mahadini, Institut Teknologi, Sains, dan Kesehatan RS dr. Soepraoen

Diploma III Acupuncture study program, Faculty of Science and Technology

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