Riassunto dello studio

Five randomized controlled trials comprising of 201 participants with knee osteoarthritis were identified from 2094 records across seven databases and gray literature sources. The primary outcome was pain intensity, while secondary outcomes included physical function. Meta-analysis using random-effects models demonstrated a moderate, statistically significant reduction in pain with cryotherapy compared with control interventions. Functional outcomes showed a small, non-significant trend favoring cryotherapy, and muscle strength was evaluated in only one trial. Overall, the findings indicate that cryotherapy provides short-term pain relief in knee osteoarthritis, particularly when combined with exercise, but evidence for functional or strength benefits remains limited due to small study numbers and methodological heterogeneity.