Comparison of the effectiveness of extracorporeal shock wave therapy and high-intensity laser therapy in patients with knee osteoarthritis: a single-blind randomized clinical trial.

Study Summary

60 patients with primary knee osteoarthritis were randomized to receive either extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) or high-intensity laser therapy (HILT). The ESWT group received six treatment sessions over 2 weeks, while the HILT group received ten treatment sessions over the same period. All participants also performed a standardized home exercise program. The outcomes were pain intensity measured using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and functional status assessed using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and Lequesne algofunctional index. Outcomes were evaluated at baseline, immediately after treatment (2 weeks), and at 6 weeks post-treatment. Overall, the results of the study revealed that both ESWT and HILT significantly improved pain, stiffness, physical function, and disease severity from baseline through 6 weeks. However, neither treatment demonstrated superiority over the other. These findings suggest that both ESWT and HILT are effective, safe, noninvasive treatment options for symptomatic knee osteoarthritis.