Combined effect of pulsed electromagnetic field and pulsed ultrasound therapy in treating knee osteoarthritis

Abstract

Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common disease that affects the knee joint in particular. Exercises, pulsed ultrasound therapy, and pulsed electromagnetic fields are all useful in treating patients with knee OA, however there is controversy in the research about which is more effective in treating patients with knee OA. Purpose: to see if adding PEMF to PUST will help reduce pain, improve function, and increase knee (ROM) in those with knee OA. Materials and Methods: Eighty patients, 45–55 years old, from both genders, had moderate unilateral knee OA. The VAS was used to measure pain, the WOMAC Index was used to assess health status and health outcomes for knee OA patients, the Timed Up and Go test and the 10 meter walk test were used to assess patients’ functional mobility, and the Electronic Goniometer was used to examine knee joint ROM. They were put into one of four groups: 1, 2, 3, or 4. PUST plus exercise therapy was given to group (1), PEMF plus exercise treatment was given to group (2), PEMF, PUST plus exercise treatment was given to group (3), and sham PEMF, sham PUST plus exercise treatment was given to group (4).