Clay pot combined with thunder-fire moxibustion improves sleep quality and wound healing in orthopedic patients with chronic refractory wounds
In a randomized controlled trial of 60 orthopedic patients with chronic refractory wounds, those receiving clay pot therapy plus thunder-fire moxibustion (in addition to conventional treatment) showed significantly better Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index scores (9.58 vs 11.30) and higher wound cure rates (26.67% vs 3.33%) compared to conventional treatment alone. The intervention also reduced local symptom scores and pain scores.
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Clay pot combined with thunder-fire moxibustion improves sleep quality and wound healing in orthopedic patients with chronic refractory wounds The current body of evidence comprises 1 study, including 1 randomized controlled trial. EvidenceHub rates the overall confidence at 42/100 (low).
The Claim
Clay pot combined with thunder-fire moxibustion improves sleep quality and wound healing in orthopedic patients with chronic refractory wounds
This conclusion is most relevant to: 60 orthopedic patients with chronic refractory wounds from a class III hospital in Guangdong Province (June 2022 to December 2024).
What the Research Shows
The conclusion draws on 1 linked study. Highlights from the cited literature:
- ▸Clinical Study of Clay Pot Combined With Thunder Fire Moxibustion in the Treatment of Chronic Refractory Wounds in Department of Orthopedics. (Medical science monitor : international medical journal of experimental and clinical research, 2026) — In a randomized controlled trial of 60 orthopedic patients with chronic refractory wounds, those receiving clay pot therapy plus thunder-fire moxibustion (in addition to conventional treatment) showed significantly better Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index scores (9.58 ± 1.56 vs 11.30 ± 2.15, P<0.05) compared to conventional treatment alone. The intervention also improved wound healing rates and reduced pain scores.
How It Works
The proposed biological pathway:
- ▸Clay pot therapy and thunder-fire moxibustion may improve local microcirculation and reduce inflammation
- ▸Reduced pain and local symptoms alleviate treatment-related anxiety
- ▸Improved comfort and reduced anxiety promote better sleep quality
- ▸Result: Enhanced wound healing and improved sleep quality
Who Might Benefit
Evidence fit by population:
- ▸60 orthopedic patients with chronic refractory wounds from a class III hospital in Guangdong Province (June 2022 to December 2024)
Recommended Dose
N/A
Limitations & Caveats
Important context when interpreting this evidence:
- ▸Small sample size (n=60) from a single hospital limits generalizability
- ▸No blinding or sham control, increasing risk of placebo effect and performance bias
Frequently Asked Questions
What is thunder-fire moxibustion?▼
Thunder-fire moxibustion is a traditional Chinese medicine technique using a special moxa stick that produces heat and smoke, applied to acupoints to promote healing and reduce pain.
How was sleep quality measured in this study?▼
Sleep quality was measured using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), a validated self-report questionnaire assessing sleep patterns and disturbances over the past month.
Did the control group receive any treatment?▼
Yes, the control group received conventional treatment including anti-infective therapy, debridement, measures to improve microcirculation, and neurotrophic support.
What were the key differences between the two groups?▼
The observation group had significantly higher wound cure rate (26.67% vs 3.33%), lower pain scores (1.89 vs 2.97), and better PSQI scores (9.58 vs 11.30) compared to the control group.
References
- 1.Zhang G, Li FS, Lin M, Huang JS. “Clinical Study of Clay Pot Combined With Thunder Fire Moxibustion in the Treatment of Chronic Refractory Wounds in Department of Orthopedics..” Medical science monitor : international medical journal of experimental and clinical research, 2026. PMID: 42394157 DOI: 10.12659/MSM.951574