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LLLT and Russian Electrical Stimulation in Osteoarthritis

Not Applicable
Completed
Conditions
Osteo Arthritis Knee
Registration Number
NCT04788706
Lead Sponsor
University of Sao Paulo General Hospital
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.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
COMPLETED
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
80
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.

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
PARALLEL
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Pain intensity6 months from baseline (follow up)

numeric pain rating scale (0-10) with a minimal clinically important change of two points

Functionality6 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 Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Medication intake6 months from baseline (follow up)

Paracetamol

Range of motion of the knees6 months from baseline (follow up)

was measured with a universal goniometer (AESCULAP).

Mobility and balance6 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.

Activity6 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 strength6 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.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Department of Physical Therapy, Speech and Occupational Therapy of University of São Paulo

🇧🇷

São Paulo, Brazil

Department of Physical Therapy, Speech and Occupational Therapy of University of São Paulo
🇧🇷São Paulo, Brazil

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