A randomized controlled trial on the efficacy of intermittent and continuous traction for patients with knee osteoarthritis

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98 patients with diagnosed stage 3 knee osteoarthritis (OA) were randomized to receive either intermittent traction, continuous traction, or no traction (control group) to evaluate the differences in pain, disability and function between the 3 groups in the treatment of knee OA. In addition, all groups also received hot pack and short wave diathermy. Results indicated that decreases in VAS pain scores were more prominent in the intermittent and continuous traction groups compared to the control group. In addition, WOMAC pain, physical function and total scores were significantly better in both traction groups compared to the control group. Lastly, there was no difference in range of motion at the 7-week follow-up between the 3 groups.