Utilization of pulsed electromagnetic field and traditional physiotherapy in knee osteoarthritis management

K. H. Battecha, E. S. Soliman
International Journal of Physiotherapy and Research, 3(2):978-85, 2015

Background and Objectives: Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEMF) has been suggested as a treatment method for musculoskeletalsystem disorders. The presentstudy was conducted to determine whetherthe addition of PEMF to traditional physical program produces better clinical outcomes than traditional physical program alone in the management of moderate knee osteoarthritis(OA).
Design: A single-blinded, randomized controlled study
Methods: Twenty subjects(5 men and 15 women) with unilateral moderate knee OA (Kellgren-Lawrence criteria grade 2). They were randomly allocated in 2 groups to receive: group (A) PEMF plus ultrasound plus exercises; or (B) ultrasound plus exercises. Both groups received the respective treatments 3 times per week for 4 weeks and underwentthe same pretreatment and post treatment evaluation thatincluded active knee range of motion (ROM) by universal goniometer, knee pain score by visual analogue scale (VAS) and knee functional performance by Western Ontario and McMaster Universities osteoarthritis index (WOMAC).
Result: There was an improvement in both groupsin active knee flexion ROM, reduced VAS score and improved WOMAC index , however, all outcomes were significantly better in group (A) (p <0.05). Moreover,the percentages of outcomesimprovement were in favor of group (A).
Conclusion: The addition of PEMF to traditional physical program in managing OA produced a greater improvement in pain relief, range of motion and resulted in better functional performance than did traditional physical program alone. The improvement in current study should be limited to short term outcomes of PEMF.