Effect of Barrier-Separated Moxibustion on the Governing Vessel and Chronic Disease Management in Elderly Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the application of barrier-separated moxibustion on the governing vessel (BSMGV) combined with chronic disease management in elderly patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and its effects on joint function. A total of 92 elderly RA patients were enrolled and randomly assigned to either the chronic disease combined treatment group (CDCTG, n = 46) or the conventional group (n = 46) using a randomized numerical method. Both groups received standard pharmacological treatment for RA. The patients in the conventional group received basic routine care, while those in the CDCTG received BSMGV combined with chronic disease management in addition to routine care. Post-intervention, the CDCTG exhibited significantly lower joint function scores, including the joint swelling index and joint tenderness index, compared with those in the conventional group (P < 0.05), as well as shorter duration of morning stiffness (P < 0.05). Both groups showed reductions in serum rheumatoid factor (RF), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels compared with pre-intervention levels, as well as improvements in matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP1), MMP3, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels. However, the improvements in the CDCTG were significantly greater than those in the conventional group (P < 0.05). Additionally, the CDCTG demonstrated significantly higher quality of life scores and enhanced self-management ability compared with those in the conventional group (P < 0.05). BSMGV combined with chronic disease management effectively improves joint function in elderly RA patients.