AB1493 REHABILITATION OF PATIENTS WITH ОSTEOARTHRITIS OF THE KNEE USING MAGNETIC THERAPY

Abstract

BackgroundCurrently, along with the basic treatment at the outpatient stage of rehabilitation, methods using physical and balneological factors are successfully applied: magnetotherapy, electrotherapy, peloidtherapy.ObjectivesEvaluation of the effectiveness of rehabilitation using magnetotherapy for osteoarthritis of the knee joints at the second radiological stage.MethodsThe study included 75 patients with primary osteoarthritis of the knee joints of the II X-ray stage, who were on outpatient rehabilitation in the sanatorium “Chuvashiyakurort”, including 45 women and 30 men aged 50 to 65 years with a disease duration of 15 to 20 years. Rehabilitation was carried out by a multiprofessional team led by a physical and rehabilitation doctor. All patients were divided into two groups by simple randomization. The main group (n = 50) received basic treatment (chondroprotectors) + non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs on demand) and a course of apparatus magnetotherapy. Magnetic therapy was applied to the area of the knee joints using the «Polus-2» apparatus using solenoid inductors, mode - continuous, frequency - 50 Hz, low-sinusoidal current, intensity 111-1V, procedure duration 20 minutes, daily, № = 10. The control group (n = 25) received basic treatment (chondroprotectors) and NSAIDs (on demand). When analyzing the results of treatment, the VAS and WOMAC scales were used, and the Bartel index was estimated.ResultsIn both groups, from the 2nd week of treatment, there was a decrease in pain during movement and at rest according to the VAS data compared with the baseline level. In patients in the main group, there was a decrease in joint swelling, a decrease in the level of pain according to the VAS by 41.3% (p <0.05). The range of motion in the joints increased by 19.5% (p <0.05) in the study group. In the control group, a decrease in the level of pain by 20.1% (p <0.05) was recorded, the range of motion in the joints did not change. The overall WOMAC index was also lower in the main group compared with the control group (p = 0.03). Patients in the main group differed from patients in the control group in a significantly higher degree of dependence in daily life (Bartel index) and a lower score on the battery of tests of physical functioning. According to the results of dynamic observation of patients, no side effects associated with the use of the device “Polyus-2” were registered.ConclusionMagnetic therapy relieves pain, improves motor and daily activity in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee joints and can be recommended for use in medical rehabilitation programs in addition to basic therapy.