Localized hyperthermia induced by microwave diathermy in osteoarthritis of the knee: a randomized placebo-controlled double-blind clinical trial

This report has been verified by one or more authors of the original publication.

63 patients were randomized to determine the effectiveness of hyperthermia induced by microwave diathermy in treating sufferers of knee osteoarthritis. Patients were allocated to receive 30-minute sessions of either microwave diathermy at a frequency of 433.92 MHz or sham treatment three times per week for four weeks. Follow-up evaluation was conducted at the end of the therapy phase (4 weeks), and also at 16 weeks for outcomes of pain, stiffness, and function. The results indicated that patient-reported WOMAC and performance-based Timed-Up and Go test outcomes were significantly improved in those who received heat therapy compared to sham treatment patients.