The efficacy and safety of hydrotherapy in patients with knee osteoarthritis: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

研究概要

Six randomized controlled trials including 351 patients with knee osteoarthritis were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis comparing hydrotherapy vs. physiotherapy. Pooled outcomes of interest included pain intensity at 1 week, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks, the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) at 1 week, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks, and adverse effects. Hydrotherapy significantly reduced pain intensity and improved WOMAC scores at all measured intervals without increasing adverse effects. The findings suggest hydrotherapy is a safe and effective treatment for reducing pain and improving knee function in individuals with knee osteoarthritis.