Comparative Evalaution of the Effects of Short-Wave Diathermy, Ultrasound, and TENS on Pain and Physical Functions in Knee Osteoarthritis

Abstract

Objective: Short-wave diathermy (SWD), ultrasound (US), and Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) are commonly used agents in physical therapy treatments. This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic effects of these physical therapy agents in women with bilateral knee osteoarthritis (OA). Methods: Three equal groups of 60 women diagnosed with knee OA of age 45-65 years based on their treatment regimens were created: SWD (group 1), US (group 2), and TENS (group 3).These patients had stages 2 and 3 knee OA with reference to the Kellgren-Lawrence Classification System. The evaluations were performed using the visual analog scale (VAS) and Western Ontorio and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and the physical function tests at the time points of pre-treatment, post-treatment, and 1-month follow-up duration. Results: There were not any significant difference among the groups in terms of age, height, weight, body mass index, duration of pain, and radiological staging of OA. All 3 physical therapy agents were effective in terms of pain and physical functions. Better results were obtained in terms of the VAS and WOMAC scores at post-treatment and at 1-month follow-up when compared to that at pre-treatment assessment. However, comparison of the results of all 3 physical therapy agents showed that TENS treatment was more effective in relieving pain. Although no significant difference was noted among the groups in terms of the physical functions, SWD was more effective in terms of the scores of repeated sit-to-stand test and 20 m walk tests, while US was more effective in terms of the straight-line walk test scores. Conclusion: Treatment with the physical therapy agents was effective in alleviating the physical functions. In addition, TENS was found to be more effective in alleviating pain.