Physiotherapy in Knee Osteoarthritis

Comparative Effects of Different Physiotherapy Methods on Pain, Function and Quality of Life in Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis symptoms can be managed with non-drug treatments such as patient education, exercise or weight loss interventions. Cryotherapy is one of the effective method to reduce joint inflammation, pain and improve function. Another method is joint mobilization, which can also reduce pain and improve function. Based on this theory, it was hypothesized that cryotherapy will have better effect on pain and the quality of life, whereas joint mobilization will be more effective on knee function. The aim of the study was to compare the effects of different physiotherapy methods on pain, knee joint function and quality of life in individuals with osteoarthritis.

Study included 63 participants with knee osteoarthritis. All subjects were randomly assigned to one of 3 groups: exercise group (n=21), exercise + cryotherapy group (n=21), or exercise + joint mobilization group (n=21). VAS scale was used to assess the pain, quality of life was evaluated with Short Form 36 Health Survey Questionnaire (SF-36) questionnaire, knee ranges of motion were measured using a goniometer, strength of the muscles was assessed on the Oxford 5 point scale, The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) was used to evaluate knee osteoarthritis. All the participants received 30 intervention sessions.

Inclusion Criteria:

• stage II of the knee OA;
• affected knee joint;
• pain of at least 3 points on the VAS.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Severe cardiovascular disease;
• Oncological Disorders;
• Allergy to cold / cold intolerance;
• Impaired lower limbs blood circulation;
• Fear of confined spaces;
• Pregnancy or lactation.