There is a divergence in the literature about the pulsed short wave (PSW) clinical application. However, some studies have shown good benefits in the osteoarthritis patient's treatment. Considering the controversial results in this condition, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of PSW therapy with doses of 33 KJ and 17 KJ in the pain and function in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Eighty-four patients that participated in this study had knee osteoarthritis and were submitted to 17 and 33 KJ PSW doses and evaluated by a Lequesne's Algofuncional Questionnaire, Lysholm Knee Scoring Scale, visual analogical scale (VAS), and knee goniometry. After 9 sessions of PSW, the patients of thel7 and 33 KJ and placebo group were compared with the control group. In the Lequesne's Questionnaire, pain improvement was found in the 33 KJ group when compared with the placebo and control groups. The 17 KJ group presented significant results only when compared with the control group. A significant difference in the Lysholm Scale was also established between the 33 and 17 KJ when compared to the placebo and control. For knee flexion, there were statistical differences among the treatment groups when compared to the control. In summary, in the VAS, the 33 KJ group presented a significant improvement when compared to the 17 KJ, placebo and control groups. Significant therapeutic results were shown in the 33 and 17 KJ groups when compared to the placebo and control. The PSW is effective to relieve pain and improve function in patients with knee OA.

Full text (sometimes free) may be available at these link(s):      help

• PDF locator
• publisher