Abstract
The purpose of this study was to provide an up-to-date review for the accurate estimation of the efficacy of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) on the healing of chronic wounds on the lower extremity (CWLE). A systematic review of 10 databases for clinical trials about ESWT in the management of CWLE published between 2000 and 2016 was performed. A total of 11 studies with 925 patients were found. Expert therapists assessed the methodological qualities of the selected studies using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale and categorised each study according to Sackett's levels of evidence. Eight studies were categorised as level II; two studies were categorised as level III and one study was categorised as level V. In conclusion, this review demonstrated mild to moderate evidence to support the use of ESWT as an adjuvant therapy with a standardised wound care programme. However, it is difficult to draw firm conclusions about the efficacy of ESWT. So, future researches with high methodological quality are required to assess the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of this relatively new physical therapy application.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
