A comparison between hypertonic dextrose prolotherapy and conventional physiotherapy in patients with knee osteoarthritis.

研究概要

Sixty women with knee osteoarthritis were randomized to receive hypertonic dextrose prolotherapy (HDP) (n=30) or conventional physiotherapy (CPT) (n=30). The primary outcome of interest was VAS pain; secondary outcomes included WOMAC total score, active knee ROM, 50-m walk time, and isokinetic quadriceps/hamstring peak torque at 60°/s and 180°/s. Outcomes were assessed at baseline, 1 month, and 3 months. Overall, the results revealed clinically and statistically greater pain reductions with HDP at 1 month and 3 months, faster 50-m walk at 3 months, and larger improvements in WOMAC change and extensor peak torque over time. In brief, both treatments helped, but prolotherapy produced superior short-term pain relief and functional gains.