Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation and Low-level Laser: Combined Use for the Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis in Elderly
Overview
- Phase
- Not Applicable
- Intervention
- Not specified
- Conditions
- Knee Osteoarthritis
- Sponsor
- Marco Aurélio Vaz, PhD
- Enrollment
- 44
- Locations
- 1
- Primary Endpoint
- Torque change
- Status
- Completed
- Last Updated
- 12 years ago
Overview
Brief Summary
- The purpose of this study is to determine the effects of low-level laser therapy in combination with neuromuscular electrical stimulation on neuromuscular (muscular strength and morphology) and functional parameters (pain and functional tests) in elderly with knee osteoarthritis.
- The hypothesis is that the association of low-level laser therapy with neuromuscular electrical stimulation could reduce joint pain associated with the inflammation and consequently potentiates the effects of electrical stimulation on the muscular system.
Detailed Description
* Participants was randomized into one of three intervention groups (intervention period = 8 weeks after a 4 weeks control period in all groups). * Electrical stimulation group (18-32 min of pulsed current, stimulation frequency of 80Hz (Hertz), pulse duration of 200μs and stimulation intensity fixed near to maximal tolerated), * Laser group (low-level laser therapy dose of 4-6J (Joules) per point, six points at the knee joint) * Combined group (electrical stimulation and low-level laser therapy).
Investigators
Marco Aurélio Vaz, PhD
PhD
Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria
- •symptomatic knee osteoarthritis.
- •radiographic diagnostic of Grade 2 or 3 knee osteoarthritis.
Exclusion Criteria
- •a body mass index higher than 40 Kg/m
- •a diagnosis of hip, ankle, or toe osteoarthritis.
- •the use of crutches for locomotion.
- •participation in a strength-training programme or physiotherapy treatment for knee osteoarthritis in the past six months.
- •neurological or cognitive disorders.
- •rheumatoid arthritis.
- •electronic implants.
- •previous or upcoming surgery (within three months).
- •any cardiorespiratory, neuromuscular, or metabolic disease that could represent an absolute contraindication or a contraindication to the performance of maximum strength tests.
Outcomes
Primary Outcomes
Torque change
Time Frame: Torque was measured 3 times during the study: baseline (week -4), before intervention (week 0) and post intervention (week 9).
Torque is an expression of the muscular strength and was assessed by dynamometry.
Secondary Outcomes
- Muscular architecture change(Architecture was measured 3 times during the study: baseline (week -4), before intervention (week 0) and post intervention (week 9).)