NCT02067871

Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis: Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation and Low-level Laser.

Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation and Low-level Laser: Combined Use for the Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis in Elderly

• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 44 (actual)
• Sponsor: Marco Aurélio Vaz, PhD · Academic / Other
• Sex: Female
• Age: 60 Years – 80 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

* The purpose of this study is to determine the effects of low-level laser therapy in combination with neuromuscular electrical stimulation on neuromuscular (muscular strength and morphology) and functional parameters (pain and functional tests) in elderly with knee osteoarthritis. * The hypothesis is that the association of low-level laser therapy with neuromuscular electrical stimulation could reduce joint pain associated with the inflammation and consequently potentiates the effects of electrical stimulation on the muscular system.

Detailed description

* Participants was randomized into one of three intervention groups (intervention period = 8 weeks after a 4 weeks control period in all groups). * Electrical stimulation group (18-32 min of pulsed current, stimulation frequency of 80Hz (Hertz), pulse duration of 200μs and stimulation intensity fixed near to maximal tolerated), * Laser group (low-level laser therapy dose of 4-6J (Joules) per point, six points at the knee joint) * Combined group (electrical stimulation and low-level laser therapy).

Conditions

• Knee Osteoarthritis

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
OTHER	Laser Therapy	Low-level laser therapy was administered twice a week with a minimum of 48h between sessions over a period of eight weeks.
OTHER	Electrical Stimulation	Neuromuscular electrical stimulation was administered twice a week with a minimum of 48h between sessions over a period of eight weeks and with progressive intensity and volume.

Timeline

• Start date: 2012-03-01
• Primary completion: 2012-08-01
• Completion: 2012-12-01
• First posted: 2014-02-20
• Last updated: 2014-02-20

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Brazil