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EFFICACY OF PHYSICAL THERAPY FOR KNEE JOINT OSTEOARTHRITIS

2003; Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; Volume: 35; Issue: Supplement 1 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1097/00005768-200305001-01346

1530-0315

Kim L. Bennell, Ben Metcalf, Kay M. Crossley, Rachelle Buchbinder, Jenny McConnell, S Green, Geoff McColl,

Autoimmune and Inflammatory Disorders Research

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a common musculoskeletal condition resulting in pain, disability and reduced quality of life. Since there is currently no cure, conservative management plays a key role. PURPOSE: To evaluate the effectiveness of a 10 week physical therapy program to reduce pain and disability in individuals with knee OA. METHODS 140 individuals aged 68.4 (7.8) years with knee OA diagnosed using the American College of Rheumatology criteria were randomised into a physical therapy (PT) or a placebo group. Both groups attended for 10 individual treatments over 10 weeks. Treatments were standardised and delivered by trained therapists. PT comprised knee taping, exercises, soft tissue massage and mobilisation. Placebo treatment comprised detuned ultrasound and application of a non-therapeutic gel. Outcome assessment was performed by the same blinded assessor at baseline, immediately following the 10 week treatment and at follow-up 3 months later. Assessment consisted of validated self-report questionnaires, quadriceps strength, gait, balance tests and functional tasks. Analysis was by intention-to-treat. RESULTS Both groups were comparable at baseline for demographic and outcome measures (p>0.05). While PT and placebo generally resulted in similar improvements in self-reported pain and disability immediately after treatment, these benefits were maintained at 3 months in the PT group only. A significantly greater proportion of individuals in the PT group reported they were improved compared with the placebo group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION Interventions in this patient population have a strong placebo effect but PT appears necessary for effects to be maintained once formal treatment is ceased. Supported by NHMRC Grant # 114277