Application of kinesiotherapy and electrothermotherapy in the treatment of elderly with knee osteoarthrosis: a comparative study

• Published in: Fisioterapia em movimento 2016-06, Vol.29 (2), p.325-334
• Main Authors: Almeida, Fabiano de Jesus Furtado, Araújo, Ana Eugênia Ribeiro de Araújo e, Carvalho, Carolina Abreu de, Fonsêca, Poliana Cristina de Almeida, Nina, Vinícius José da Silva, Mochel, Elba Gomide
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aged; ORTHOPEDICS; Osteoarthritis; REHABILITATION; Therapeutics
• ISSN: 0103-5150; 1980-5918; 0103-5150
• DOI: 10.1590/0103-5150.029.002.AO11

Abstract Introduction Among the treatment modalities in this disease , the surgical and conservative means stand out through therapy resources such as electro-thermotherapy and kinetic therapy. The general objective of this study was to evaluate the effects from two protocols of physical therapy in elder women with knee osteoarthritis. Methods An experimental clinical trial type study consisting of pre and post tests was performed, in which 30 female patients were selected, all between 61 and 80 years old, diagnosed with primary knee OA, treated at the Center for Comprehensive Health Care for the Elder (CAISI - Centro de Atenção Integral à Saúde do Idoso). They were divided into 2 groups of 15 persons for each type of treatment: Group I was treated with kinetic therapy, and group II was treated with electro-thermotherapy. Patients from both groups underwent 36 physical therapy sessions during 12 weeks. For data collection, protocol sheets with socio-demographic data, Body Mass Index (BMI) at kg/m2, visual analogue scale (VAS) and measurement of motion range (ADM) were used. For statistics analysis, the Mann-Whitney, Wilcoxon and Chi-square's non-parametric tests were used. Student's parametric tests were also applied as independent samples. Results The tests performed in both groups contributed to the reduction in the level of pain. There were differences in group I and II on the increase of ADM, except in bending the left knee in group II. Conclusion It was concluded that both treatment modalities showed effective therapeutic responses, but these benefits were even higher in OA treatment by kinetic therapy. Resumo Introdução Dentre as modalidades de tratamento na Osteoartrose, destacam-se a forma cirúrgica e conservadora através dos recursos fisioterapêuticos como a eletrotermoterapia e a cinesioterapia. Objetivo Verificar os efeitos de dois protocolos terapêuticos em mulheres idosas com Osteoartrose de joelho. Métodos Realizou-se um estudo do tipo ensaio clínico não controlado com delineamento pré-teste e pós-teste, onde foram selecionadas para a pesquisa 30 pacientes do sexo feminino, com idade entre 61 a 80 anos, com diagnóstico de Osteoartrose de joelho primária, atendidas em um Centro de Referência Integral à Saúde do Idoso (CAISI), que foram divididas em 2 grupos de 15 pessoas para cada modalidade de terapias: o grupo I foi tratado com a cinesioterapia, e o grupo II foi tratado com eletrotermoterapia. Pacientes de ambos os grupos realizaram 36 atend