Frequency of physical therapy in knee osteoarthritis: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Objectives: This study is conducted to compare the three different frequency of the physical therapy applicationfor knee osteoarthritis in female patients.Methods: Consecutive 89 female patients with knee osteoarthritis were randomized into three groups ofphysical therapy as twice-daily, once-a-day and alternate day, by computerized random number generator. Weused Visual Analog Scale (VAS); to determine pain level, Western Ontario McMaster Osteoarthritis Index(WOMAC); to determine osteoarthritis (OA) severity, 10-meter walking test (WD); to determine walking speedand Short Form (SF-36) questionnaire; to determine the quality of life. All groups received a total of 10 physicaltherapy sessions including hot pack, therapeutic ultrasound (US) and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation(TENS). We evaluated subjects at the beginning, at the end of treatment and at the third month control at posttreatment period.Results: Improvement was observed in all groups after treatment (p < 0.05). While there was no significantdifference in once-a-day treatment group at 3rd month control (p > 0.05), alternate day group showed asignificant improvement (p < 0.05).Conclusions: In the treatment of knee osteoarthritis, usually once-a-day physical therapy approach is preferredin daily practice. Alternatively twice a day or alternate day therapies can be applicable.