Effect of Phototherapy Incorporated Into an Exercise Program on Osteoarthritis of the Knee

Effect of Phototherapy Incorporated Into an Exercise Program on Osteoarthritis of the Knee

The aim of the proposed study is to analyze the effect of the incorporation of phototherapy into a therapeutic exercise program on pain, functional capacity, range of motion, muscle strength in individuals with osteoarthritis of the knees. The participants will be allocated to different groups through a randomization process using opaque envelopes containing cards stipulating one of the three following groups: Group A (exercise protocol); Group B (exercise protocol + phototherapy protocol); and Group C (exercise protocol + placebo phototherapy protocol). Phototherapy will be performed on the knees diagnosed with osteoarthritis.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Diagnosis of osteoarthritis of the knee (unilateral) according to criteria of the American College of Rheumatology
• age between 40 and 80 years
• either gender
• knee pain and functional disability for at least six months confirmed by historical medical.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Dementia
• neurological disorder (sensory or motor)
• cancer
• diabetes
• acute adverse health condition
• symptoms of osteoarthritis of the hip
• cardiopulmonary disease that impedes walking
• need for wheelchair or gait-assistance device
• and having received steroids through intra-articular injection or orally in the previous six months