Riassunto dello studio

Thirty-six patients with knee osteoarthritis were randomized to receive additional extracorporeal shockwave therapy (n=18) or no additional therapy (n=18) in combination with a 3 week physical therapy program consisting of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, magnetic field therapy, and quadriceps strength training. Outcomes of interest included the change from baseline in the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), pain on a Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and the 6-minute walk test. Outcomes were assessed after 3 weeks of treatment and 1 week after treatment was completed. Results revealed significantly greater improvements from baseline in WOMAC pain, physical function and total scores, as well as VAS pain scores, in the extracorporeal shock wave therapy group 1 week after treatment.