Evaluating the benefits of patterned stimulation in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee: a multi-center, randomized, single-blind, controlled study with an independent masked evaluator.

摘要: Summary Objective This study investigated the benefits of combination interferential (IF) and patterned muscle stimulation in treatment osteoarthritis (OA) knee. Design was a multi-center, randomized, single-blind, controlled with an independent observer. The randomized 116 patients OA knee to test or control group. group received 15min IF followed by 20min stimulation. 35min low-current transcutaneous electrical nerve (TENS). Both groups were treated for 8 weeks. Subjects completed questionnaires at baseline after 2, 4 Primary outcomes included pain physical function subscales Western Ontario MacMaster (WOMAC) Index Visual Analog Scales (VAS) quality life. Results Compared group, showed reduced increased function. greater decrease WOMAC subscale ( P =0.002), =0.003) stiffness =0.004). More than 70% compared less 50% had least 20% reduction subscale. When analyzing only who study, nominally significant overall VAS. No between-group differences observed incidence adverse events. Conclusions In knee, home-based appears be promising therapy relieving pain, decreasing stiffness, increasing