Osteo Arthritis Knee
Conditions
Keywords
low level laser therapy, Russian electrical stimulation
Brief summary
Objectives: To investigate the effect of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) application combined with Russian Electrical Stimulation on pain, mobility, functionality, range of motion, muscular strength, and activity in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee. Design: Randomized controlled double-blind study. Setting: Specialist Rehabilitation Services.
Detailed description
ABSTRACT Objectives: To investigate the effect of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) application combined with Russian Electrical Stimulation on pain, mobility, functionality, range of motion, muscular strength, and activity in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee. Design: Randomized controlled double-blind study. Setting: Specialist Rehabilitation Services. Participants: Eighty participants with knee osteoarthritis were randomized. Intervention: Participants were randomized into four groups: Group I (n=20; LLLT over three weeks followed by an eight-week receiving Russian electrical stimulation), Group II (n=20; Placebo laser over three weeks followed by an eight-week receiving Russian electrical stimulation), Group III (n=20; LLLT over three weeks followed by an eight-week receiving LLLT application combined with Russian electrical stimulation), Group IV (n=20; Placebo laser over three weeks followed by an eight-week receiving Placebo laser application combined with Russian electrical stimulation). The groups treated with LLLT received treatments with invisible infrared laser (904 nm, 3 Joules/point). The Placebo groups received identical treatment, but the infrared laser output was disabled. The sessions occurred three times a week. Main outcome measures: The primary outcome was the change in knee pain and functionality (Lequesne). Secondary outcomes included change in mobility (8 meters and Timed Up and Go test), range of motion (goniometer), muscular strength (dynamometer), activity (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis questionnaire) and medication intake.
Interventions
OTHERLow level Laser Therapy and Russian electrical stimulation
LLLT over three weeks followed by an eight-week receiving Russian electrical stimulation
OTHERPlacebo Laser and Russian electrical stimulation
Placebo laser over three weeks followed by an eight-week receiving Russian electrical stimulation
OTHERLow level Laser Therapy and Low level Laser Therapy plus Russian electrical stimulation
LLLT over three weeks followed by an eight-week receiving LLLT application combined with Russian electrical stimulation
OTHERPlacebo Laser and Placebo Laser plus Russian electrical stimulation
Placebo laser over three weeks followed by an eight-week receiving Placebo laser application combined with Russian electrical stimulation
Sponsors
University of Sao Paulo General Hospital
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
QUADRUPLE (Subject, Caregiver, Investigator, Outcomes Assessor)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
50 Years to 75 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
1. levels 2-4 according to Kellgren-Lawrence grade 2. aged 50-75 years 3. both genders 4. have knee pain and functional disability for at least three months 5. according to the criteria of the American College for Rheumatology.
Exclusion criteria
* cancer, diabetes, symptomatic hip osteoarthritis, or used antidepressants, anti-inflammatory medications or anxiolytics during six months prior to enrolment.
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Pain intensity | 6 months from baseline (follow up) | numeric pain rating scale (0-10) with a minimal clinically important change of two points |
| Functionality | 6 months from baseline (follow up) | Was measured using the Lequesne questionnaire (11 questions about pain, discomfort and function). Scores range from 0 to 24 (from 'no' to 'extremely severe' dysfunction). |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Range of motion of the knees | 6 months from baseline (follow up) | was measured with a universal goniometer (AESCULAP). |
| Medication intake | 6 months from baseline (follow up) | Paracetamol |
| Activity | 6 months from baseline (follow up) | was measured using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis (WOMAC) questionnaire,22 which is self-administered and measures pain, frozen joints and physical activity. Increased scores suggest decreased activity. |
| Muscular strength | 6 months from baseline (follow up) | was estimated at maximal isometric force for the quadriceps, using a portable dynamometer (Lafayette, USA). Under stabilized conditions, patients, sitting with knees flexed at 60 (measured by a goniometer),21 were asked to extend the legs as far as they could. Three trials were conducted, and the mean value was obtained. |
| Mobility and balance | 6 months from baseline (follow up) | were evaluated by the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test19 and the 8-meter walk test.20 The TUG test, a measure of functional mobility, quantifies in seconds the time that the individual needs to stand up from a chair, walk 3m, turn back toward the chair and sit down again. The 8-meter walk test measures the time and number of steps required for a person to walk 8m. |
Countries
Brazil
Outcome results
None listed