Laser therapy versus pulsed electromagnetic field therapy as treatment modalities for early knee osteoarthritis: a randomized controlled trial
Abstract Background This randomized controlled trial aimed to compare the effects of pulsed electromagnetic field therapy (PEMFT) and low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on pain and physical function of participants with knee osteoarthritis (KOA). Methods According to the Kellgren–Lawrence classification...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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BMC
2023-03-01
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| Series: | BMC Geriatrics |
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12877-022-03568-5 |
| _version_ | 1797863599559933952 |
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| author | Michal Elboim-Gabyzon Fouad Nahhas |
| author_facet | Michal Elboim-Gabyzon Fouad Nahhas |
| author_sort | Michal Elboim-Gabyzon |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Background This randomized controlled trial aimed to compare the effects of pulsed electromagnetic field therapy (PEMFT) and low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on pain and physical function of participants with knee osteoarthritis (KOA). Methods According to the Kellgren–Lawrence classification, participants with grade 2–3 KOA were randomized to receive PEMFT or LLLT for six sessions lasting 15 min/session over a 3-week period. Pain at rest and when walking, standing from a sitting position, and climbing the stairs was assessed using the visual analog scale. Functional level was measured by the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), timed up-and-go test (TUG), and 10-m walk (10 MW) test. Measurements were obtained before and after the interventions. Significance was determined at p ≤ 0.05. Results Forty participants were included in the study. Pain and physical function improved significantly (p < 0.0001) in both groups. PEMFT was significantly more effective in reducing pain at rest, when standing from a sitting position, and when climbing the stairs, and in improving both WOMAC scores and TUG results (p ≤ 0.0003). The improvements in pain during the activities and the WOMAC scores reached the minimal clinically important difference. No adverse events occurred. Conclusion Six sessions of PEMFT and LLLT had immediate positive effects on pain and physical function in individuals with low-grade KOA, with PEMFT resulting in significantly better results. Trial registration ISRCTN registry trial ID: ISRCTN17001174 |
| first_indexed | 2024-04-09T22:38:03Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-45825ff9f45f443e88a2bee901b7e6ac |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 1471-2318 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-04-09T22:38:03Z |
| publishDate | 2023-03-01 |
| publisher | BMC |
| record_format | Article |
| series | BMC Geriatrics |
| spelling | doaj.art-45825ff9f45f443e88a2bee901b7e6ac2023-03-22T12:18:49ZengBMCBMC Geriatrics1471-23182023-03-0123111110.1186/s12877-022-03568-5Laser therapy versus pulsed electromagnetic field therapy as treatment modalities for early knee osteoarthritis: a randomized controlled trialMichal Elboim-Gabyzon0Fouad Nahhas1Physical Therapy Department, Faculty of Social Welfare and Health Sciences, University of HaifaPhysical Therapy Department, Faculty of Social Welfare and Health Sciences, University of HaifaAbstract Background This randomized controlled trial aimed to compare the effects of pulsed electromagnetic field therapy (PEMFT) and low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on pain and physical function of participants with knee osteoarthritis (KOA). Methods According to the Kellgren–Lawrence classification, participants with grade 2–3 KOA were randomized to receive PEMFT or LLLT for six sessions lasting 15 min/session over a 3-week period. Pain at rest and when walking, standing from a sitting position, and climbing the stairs was assessed using the visual analog scale. Functional level was measured by the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), timed up-and-go test (TUG), and 10-m walk (10 MW) test. Measurements were obtained before and after the interventions. Significance was determined at p ≤ 0.05. Results Forty participants were included in the study. Pain and physical function improved significantly (p < 0.0001) in both groups. PEMFT was significantly more effective in reducing pain at rest, when standing from a sitting position, and when climbing the stairs, and in improving both WOMAC scores and TUG results (p ≤ 0.0003). The improvements in pain during the activities and the WOMAC scores reached the minimal clinically important difference. No adverse events occurred. Conclusion Six sessions of PEMFT and LLLT had immediate positive effects on pain and physical function in individuals with low-grade KOA, with PEMFT resulting in significantly better results. Trial registration ISRCTN registry trial ID: ISRCTN17001174https://doi.org/10.1186/s12877-022-03568-5Pulsed electromagnetic field therapyLow-level laser therapyKnee osteoarthritisPainFunction |
| spellingShingle | Michal Elboim-Gabyzon Fouad Nahhas Laser therapy versus pulsed electromagnetic field therapy as treatment modalities for early knee osteoarthritis: a randomized controlled trial BMC Geriatrics Pulsed electromagnetic field therapy Low-level laser therapy Knee osteoarthritis Pain Function |
| title | Laser therapy versus pulsed electromagnetic field therapy as treatment modalities for early knee osteoarthritis: a randomized controlled trial |
| title_full | Laser therapy versus pulsed electromagnetic field therapy as treatment modalities for early knee osteoarthritis: a randomized controlled trial |
| title_fullStr | Laser therapy versus pulsed electromagnetic field therapy as treatment modalities for early knee osteoarthritis: a randomized controlled trial |
| title_full_unstemmed | Laser therapy versus pulsed electromagnetic field therapy as treatment modalities for early knee osteoarthritis: a randomized controlled trial |
| title_short | Laser therapy versus pulsed electromagnetic field therapy as treatment modalities for early knee osteoarthritis: a randomized controlled trial |
| title_sort | laser therapy versus pulsed electromagnetic field therapy as treatment modalities for early knee osteoarthritis a randomized controlled trial |
| topic | Pulsed electromagnetic field therapy Low-level laser therapy Knee osteoarthritis Pain Function |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12877-022-03568-5 |
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