Effect of Phototherapy Incorporated Into an Exercise Program on Osteoarthritis of the Knee

University of Nove de Julho20 enrolled

Overview

The aim of the proposed study is to analyze the effect of the incorporation of phototherapy into a therapeutic exercise program on pain, functional capacity, range of motion, muscle strength in individuals with osteoarthritis of the knees. The participants will be allocated to different groups through a randomization process using opaque envelopes containing cards stipulating one of the three following groups: Group A (exercise protocol); Group B (exercise protocol + phototherapy protocol); and Group C (exercise protocol + placebo phototherapy protocol). Phototherapy will be performed on the knees diagnosed with osteoarthritis.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

SINGLE

Enrollment

Conditions

Osteoarthritis of the Knee

Interventions

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 40 YearsMax age: 80 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * Diagnosis of osteoarthritis of the knee (unilateral) according to criteria of the American College of Rheumatology * age between 40 and 80 years * either gender * knee pain and functional disability for at least six months confirmed by historical medical. Exclusion Criteria: * Dementia * neurological disorder (sensory or motor) * cancer * diabetes * acute adverse health condition * symptoms of osteoarthritis of the hip * cardiopulmonary disease that impedes walking * need for wheelchair or gait-assistance device * and having received steroids through intra-articular injection or orally in the previous six months

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

physical function

Using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index

Time frame: 9 months

Secondary Outcomes

Maximum voluntary isometric contraction

A portable dynamometer will be used to assess muscle contraction.