Study Overview
This study looked at how two treatments—high-intensity laser therapy (HILT) and short-wave diathermy (SWD)—combined with exercise can help patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA). The goal was to see which treatment is more effective in reducing pain and improving physical function and quality of life.
Participants and Methods
Sixty patients with knee OA were involved in the study. They were divided into two groups:
- Group 1: Received high-intensity laser therapy with exercise (30 patients)
- Group 2: Received short-wave diathermy with exercise (30 patients)
Both groups underwent treatment for 2 weeks, with 10 sessions total. Various tests were performed before and after treatment to measure pain and physical function.
Results
Both treatments showed improvements, but here are the key findings:
- High-Intensity Laser Therapy + Exercise: Improved all test results.
- Short-Wave Diathermy + Exercise: Improved most tests, but not the 30-second chair stand and 40-meter fast-paced walk.
- Comparison: HILT was more effective in reducing pain and improving overall function, except in the Stair Climb and 40-meter Fast-paced Walk tests.
Recommendations
Based on the results, high-intensity laser therapy is recommended for patients with stage 2-3 knee osteoarthritis as it showed better outcomes compared to short-wave diathermy.
Measurable Outcomes
Clinics should focus on:
- Reducing patient pain levels
- Improving physical function
- Enhancing quality of life
Implementing AI Solutions
To improve treatment management, consider using AI tools tailored to the needs of clinics. Start with a small pilot project to track results effectively.
Contact Us
For more information on AI solutions in medical management, reach out via:
