Effects of the MWM Technique Accompanied by Trunk Stabilization Exercises on Pain and Physical Dysfunctions Caused by Degenerative Osteoarthritis

[Purpose] This study aimed to identify how treatment with the Mulligan technique of mobilization with movement (MWM) influences pain and physical function of patients with degenerative osteoarthritis. [Subjects] Thirty patients diagnosed with degenerative osteoarthritis were divided into an experimental group (n=15), and a control group (n=15). [Methods] The experimental group was treated with general physical therapy, trunk stabilization exercises, and performed the MWM using the Mulligan technique. The control group was treated with general physical therapy, and then performed trunk stabilization exercises. [Results] Statistically significant differences were found after the intervention in the experimental group in the visual analog scale and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities osteoarthritis index pain, stiffening, and physical function scores. [Conclusion] We consider the treatment of degenerative osteoarthritis patients using the MWM technique is effective for reducing pain and improving physical functions.Key words: Osteoarthritis, MWM, Knee     

体外冲击波治疗早中期膝骨关节炎的效果

目的探讨体外冲击波疗法(ESWT)治疗早中期膝骨关节炎的有效性。方法70 例膝骨关节炎患者随机分为ESWT组(n=34)和对照组(n=36)。ESWT组予放射状ESWT干预,对照组将能流密度调整为0。在干预前和12 周后,采用活动时疼痛视觉模拟评分(VAS)、Lequesne 指数评分和WOMAC骨关节炎指数评分进行评定。结果干预后,ESWT组VAS评分、Lequesne 指数评分和WOMAC骨关节炎指数评分均明显优于对照组(P<0.01)。结论ESWT对早中期膝骨关节炎治疗有效。     

老年膝骨关节炎患者自我管理的社区干预模式及效果分析

目的设计并实施膝关节骨关节炎(KOA)自我管理干预模式,探讨其对患者关节功能及生活质量的影响。方法2011年10 月~2012 年4 月抽取与唐山市老年人口比例匹配的两个社区,对自愿参加的老年KOA患者按社区分为干预组(n=50)和对照组(n=50)。干预组接受专业设计的KOA自我管理课程,每次1.5~2 h,每周1 次,共6 次。对照组发放膝骨关节炎自我管理手册。6 个月后采用骨关节炎指数评估表(WOMAC)、关节炎生活质量测量问卷(AIMS2-SF)、自行设计的一般情况调查表进行调查。结果干预后,干预组WOMAC评分下降,干预前后下降值优于对照组(P<0.05);AIMS2-SF 评分提高,提高值优于对照组(P<0.05)。结论KOA自我管理项目能有效改善患者的关节功能及症状,提高患者的生活质量。     

A Randomized Controlled Trial on the Effects of Low-Dose Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy in Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis

ObjectiveTo test the efficacy of low-dose extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) on osteoarthritis knee pain, lower limb function, and cartilage alteration for patients with knee osteoarthritis.DesignRandomized controlled trial with placebo control.SettingOutpatient physical therapy clinics within a hospital network.ParticipantsEligible volunteers (N=63) with knee osteoarthritis (Kellgren-Lawrence grade II or III) were randomly assigned to 2 groups.InterventionsPatients in the experimental group received low-dose ESWT for 4 weeks while those in the placebo group got sham shockwave therapy. Both groups maintained a usual level of home exercise.Main Outcome MeasuresKnee pain and physical function were measured using a visual analog scale (VAS), the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), and the Lequesne index at baseline, 5 weeks, and 12 weeks. Cartilage alteration was measured analyzing the transverse relaxation time (T2) mapping.ResultsThe VAS score, WOMAC, and Lequesne index of the ESWT group were significantly better than those of the placebo group at 5 and 12 weeks (P<.05). Both groups showed improvement in pain and disability scores over the 12-week follow-up period (P<.05). In terms of imaging results, there was no significant difference in T2 values between groups during the trial, although T2 values of the ESWT group at 12 weeks significantly increased compared to those at baseline (P=.004). The number and prevalence of adverse effects were similar between the 2 groups, and no serious side effects were found.ConclusionsA 4-week treatment of low-dose ESWT was superior to placebo for pain easement and functional improvement in patients with mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis but had some negative effects on articular cartilage.     

An experimental study on the effectiveness of massage with aromatic ginger and orange essential oil for moderate-to-severe knee pain among the elderly in Hong Kong

OBJECTIVES: To assess the efficacy of an aromatic essential oil (1% Zingiber officinale and 0.5% Citrus sinesis) massage among the elderly with moderate-to-severe knee pain. METHOD: Fifty-nine older persons were enrolled in a double-blind, placebo-controlled experimental study group from the Community Centre for Senior Citizens, Hong Kong. The intervention was six massage sessions with ginger and orange oil over a 3-week period. The placebo control group received the same massage intervention with olive oil only and the control group received no massage. Assessment was done at baseline, post 1-week and post 4 weeks after treatment. Changes from baseline to the end of treatment were assessed on knee pain intensity, stiffness level and physical functioning (by Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis index) and quality of life (by SF-36). RESULTS: There were significant mean changes between the three time-points within the intervention group on three of the outcome measures: knee pain intensity (p=0.02); stiffness level (p=0.03); and enhancing physical function (p=0.04) but these were not apparent with the between-groups comparison (p=0.48, 0.14 and 0.45 respectively) 4 weeks after the massage. The improvement of physical function and pain were superior in the intervention group compared with both the placebo and the control group at post 1-week time (both p=0.03) but not sustained at post 4 weeks (p=0.45 and 0.29). The changes in quality of life were not statistically significant for all three groups. CONCLUSION: The aroma-massage therapy seems to have potential as an alternative method for short-term knee pain relief.     

The efficacy of topical sesame oil in patients with knee osteoarthritis: A randomized double-blinded active-controlled non-inferiority clinical trial

ObjectiveSesame oil is an herbal product that has been used to treat the joints pain in several traditional medicines. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of topical sesame oil versus diclofenac gel in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA).MethodsOne hundred and four patients were randomly enrolled in two arms of the trial. Patients were treated by topical sesame oil or diclofenac (three times a day) for 4 weeks. Outcome measures were knee pain via visual analogue scale (VAS), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) questionnaire, knee joint’s flexion angle, 8-meter walk test and number of used analgesics. Patients were evaluated at baseline, 2 and then 4 weeks after the intervention.ResultsAt the follow-up visits, sesame oil was not inferior to diclofenac regarding scores of WOMAC pain, 8-meter walk test, and knee flexion angle. Although, its non-inferiority was not proved regarding scores of VAS, WOMAC stiffness, and WOMAC total at the 4^th week. Moreover, sesame oil was not inferior to diclofenac regarding consumed analgesics.ConclusionIt seems that the topical sesame oil was non-inferior to diclofenac gel on the reduction of the knee OA pain and improvement of some indicators of its function.     

A Single-Blind,Placebo Run-in Study of Duloxetine for Activity-Limiting Osteoarthritis Pain

Osteoarthritis pain is a significant problem for our aging population. Antidepressants that are serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors are effective for other forms of chronic pain and may provide a new treatment option for osteoarthritis pain. We performed a single-blind, placebo run-in trial of 60 to 90 mg of duloxetine in 25 subjects with activity-limiting osteoarthritis pain. Each subject received 2 weeks of placebo followed by 10 weeks of duloxetine. The primary outcome was reduction in average pain intensity between 2 and 12 weeks for subjects completing the trial. Average pain on the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) was 5.7 at baseline, 4.8 after the 2-week placebo run-in, and 3.5 at 12 weeks for the 17 patients completing the trial (28% decrease between 2 and 12 weeks, P = .122). Eight of 15 study completers who had nonmissing BPI results (53%) reported at least 30% pain reduction between weeks 2 and 12. The Western Ontario McMaster Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) pain score at baseline was 2.3, 1.8 after 2 weeks, and 1.3 after 12 weeks (30% decrease between 2 and 12 weeks, P = .018). Ten of 17 patients (59%) reported at least 30% pain relief between weeks 2 and 12 on the WOMAC. Significant improvements in self-reported physical and role function were reported but observed physical function did not improve.PerspectiveDuloxetine did not significantly reduce pain intensity on the BPI but did improve pain intensity and self-reported function on the WOMAC. Duloxetine warrants further investigation as a novel treatment for osteoarthritis pain.     

Electrical Dry Needling Plus Corticosteroid Injection for Osteoarthritis of the Knee: A Randomized Controlled Trial

ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of electrical dry needling (DN) plus corticosteroid injection (CSI) on pain, physical function, and global change in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee (KOA).DesignA prospective, single-blinded, randomized controlled trial.SettingPain treatment clinic.ParticipantsSixty patients with KOA were randomly assigned to the electrical dry needling plus corticosteroid injection (electrical-DN+CSI) group or CSI group.InterventionsThe CSI group received glucocorticoid injection only once during the trial, and the electrical-DN+CSI group received glucocorticoid injection combined with 4 sessions of electrical-DN.Main Outcomes MeasuresThe primary outcome was the numerical rating scale at 3 months. The secondary outcomes were the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, the time to complete the Timed Up and Go test, and the score of the global rating of change scale at 3 months. A generalized linear mixed-effects model was used to analyze the repeated measurement data.ResultsBaseline characteristics and measurements were similar in the 2 groups. The group by time interaction effect was significant for all variables (P<.05). The electrical-DN+CSI group obtained a more significant reduction in pain intensity and more significant improvement in dysfunction than the CSI group at 3 months (P<.05). The median global rating of change score for the CSI group was +3 (somewhat better), and that for the electrical-DN+CSI group was +4 (moderately better).ConclusionElectrical-DN therapy at myofascial trigger points combined with CSI is more effective at alleviating pain, improving dysfunction, and creating global change than CSI alone for patients with KOA. Electrical-DN may be an essential part of treatment for KOA rehabilitation.     

Hydrotherapy versus conventional land-based exercise for the management of patients with osteoarthritis of the knee: a randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: This study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of hydrotherapy in subjects with osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee compared with subjects with OA of the knee who performed land-based exercises. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Sixty-four subjects with OA of the knee were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 groups that performed exercises for 18 weeks: a water-based exercise group and a land-based exercise group. The outcome measures included a visual analog scale (VAS) for pain in the previous week, the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), pain during gait assessed by a VAS at rest and immediately following a 50-foot (15.24-m) walk test (50FWT), walking time measured at fast and comfortable paces during the 50FWT, and the Lequesne Index. Measurements were recorded by a blinded investigator at baseline and at 9 and 18 weeks after initiating the intervention. RESULTS: The 2 groups were homogenous regarding all parameters at baseline. Reductions in pain and improvements in WOMAC and Lequesne index scores were similar between groups. Pain before and after the 50FWT decreased significantly over time in both groups. However, the water-based exercise group experienced a significantly greater decrease in pain than the land-based exercise group before and after the 50FWT at the week-18 follow-up. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Both water-based and land-based exercises reduced knee pain and increased knee function in participants with OA of the knee. Hydrotherapy was superior to land-based exercise in relieving pain before and after walking during the last follow-up. Water-based exercises are a suitable and effective alternative for the management of OA of the knee.     

Intra-Articular Injection of a Novel DVS Cross-Linked Hyaluronic Acid Manufactured by Biological Fermentation (YYD302) in Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis: A Double-Blind,Randomized, Multicenter,Noninferiority Study

PurposeThis double-blind, randomized, Phase III clinical trial was conducted to assess the efficacy andsafety of the novel divinyl sulfone cross-linked hyaluronate (YYD302) compared with the 1,4-butanediol diglycidyl ether cross-linked hyaluronate (Synovian) in patients with knee osteoarthritis.MethodsA total of 184 patients with osteoarthritis (Kellgren-Lawrence grade I–III) were randomized to 1 of 2 study groups (YYD302 group, n = 95; Synovian group, n = 89). A single injection of YYD302 or Synovian was given to both groups, and 182 participants completed the study (YYD302 group, n = 95; Synovian group, n = 87). The primary end point was the change in weight-bearing pain (WBP) at 12 weeks after the primary single injection. Secondary end points included the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score; the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index score; the Patient Global Assessment and Investigator Global Assessment; the range of motion, swelling, and tenderness of the target knee; OMERACT-OARSI responder rate; WBP responder rate (the proportion of patients achieving at least 20 mm or 40% decrease in WBP); and rate of rescue medicine use and its total consumption at weeks 2, 4, and 12. Based on the efficacy results at week 12, the responders were administered an additional single injection of the same study drug at week 24, and safety and efficacy were additionally assessed at week 36.FindingsMean changes of WBP at 12 weeks after the primary injection were –31.76 mm with YYD302 and –29.74 mm with Synovian, proving noninferiority of the YYD302 group to the Synovian group as the lower bound of the 95% CI (–4.3 to 8.3) was well above the predefined margin (–10 mm). At week 2, the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (total, pain, activities of daily living, and sports/recreation) and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index scores (total, stiffness) were significantly better in the YYD302 group than in the Synovian group. There were no significant differences between the groups in all other end points. Local overall adverse events (pain, heat, erythema, or swelling) at the injection site were observed in 48.4% of the YYD302 group and in 47.7% of the Synovian group. No serious reactions were reported. There was no statistically significant difference between the 2 groups regarding re-injected patients (YYD302 group, n = 54; Synovian group, n = 46) in any of the efficacy outcomes at week 36.ImplicationsThe results of this study support that YYD302 is comparable to Synovian in terms of the efficacy and safety of the intra-articular injection treatment for osteoarthritis of the knee joint. Furthermore, YYD302 provided faster improvements in some efficacy assessments compared with Synovian. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03561779.     

Evaluation of the comparative efficacy of etoricoxib and ibuprofen for treatment of patients with osteoarthritis: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

OBJECTIVE: To directly compare the efficacy and safety of etoricoxib, 30 mg once daily, ibuprofen, 800 mg 3 times daily, and placebo for treatment of osteoarthritis (OA) of the hip and knee. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of patients with OA of the knee or hip was performed between February 2003 and November 2003 in 61 medical centers in the United States. Qualified patients aged 40 to 89 years were randomized to receive placebo, etoricoxib, 30 mg once daily, or ibuprofen, 800 mg 3 times daily, for 12 weeks. Primary efficacy end points Included the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index pain and physical function subscales and Patient Global Assessment of Disease Status. Response to treatment was assessed by the time-weighted average change from baseline over 12 weeks. RESULTS: In 528 patients, baseline values for the 3 primary end points ranged from 67.78 to 72.60 mm (0-100 mm visual analog scale). Near-maximal efficacy was achieved by week 2 with both active treatments and sustained over the course of the trial. During the 12-week period, least squares mean changes in the primary end points (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index and Patient Global Assessment of Disease Status subscales) ranged from -16.53 to -13.55 mm, -27.89 to -23.68 mm, and -26.53 to -22.97 mm in the placebo, etoricoxib, and Ibuprofen groups, respectively. Both etoricoxib and ibuprofen were more effective (P<.001) than placebo for all primary end points. Etoricoxib and ibuprofen treatment responses for the primary end points were determined to be comparable with use of prespecified comparability criteria. Results for all other efficacy end points were consistent with responses observed for the primary end points. Etoricoxib and ibuprofen generally were well tolerated. CONCLUSION: For patients with OA, treatment with etoricoxib, 30 mg/d, is well tolerated and provides sustained clinical effectiveness that is superior to placebo and comparable to ibuprofen, 2400 mg/d.     

Clinical Outcomes in Neurogenic Claudication Using a Multimodal Program for Lumbar Spinal Stenosis: A Study of 49 Patients With Prospective Long-term Follow-up

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to assess long-term outcomes of a 6-week multimodal program (manual therapy, exercises, and self-management strategies) in patients with neurogenic claudication due to degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis.MethodsThis study evaluated 49 patients with neurogenic claudication who completed a 6-week multimodal program between 2010 and 2013. Outcomes included Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Zurich Claudication Questionnaire (ZCQ), and Numeric Rating Scale. Mean differences, paired t tests, and the Wilcoxon rank-sum test were used to compare outcomes at baseline, 6 weeks, and long-term follow-up.ResultsTwenty-three patients completed the follow-up questionnaire (47% response rate). Median follow-up was 3.6 years (interquartile range: 3.3-4.6). The mean age was 73.5 years (standard deviation: 8.5). Between baseline and long-term follow-up, there were statistically significant and clinically important improvements in disability (ODI: -23.7 [95% confidence interval (CI): -15.7 to -31.6]; ODI walking item: -1.96 [95% CI: -1.34 to -2.57]; ZCQ function scale: -0.42 [95% CI: -0.10 to -0.70]) and pain (leg pain: -3.53 [95% CI: -1.80 to -5.20]; ZCQ symptom scale: -0.71 [95% CI: -0.30 to -1.10]), but not low back pain (Numeric Rating Scale: -1.03 [95% CI: -1.00 to 3.10]). There was no statistically significant change in any outcomes between 6 weeks and long-term follow-up.ConclusionIn a sample of patients with neurogenic claudication participating in a 6-week multimodal program, clinically important improvements in leg pain and disability, but not low back pain while walking, were maintained in the long term (median duration of 3.6 years) when compared to baseline.     

Patients’ preoperative perspectives concerning the decision to undergo total knee arthroplasty and comparison of their clinical assessments

[Purpose] The aims of our study were, 1. to assess pain, limitation of movement ability, and functionality in osteoarthritis patients scheduled to undergo total knee arthroplasty, 2. to determine if pain (Group 1) or function loss (Group 2) has a greater influence on the decision of patients to have surgery, and 3. to compare results between Group 1 and Group 2. [Subject and Methods] Fifty-five osteoarthritis patients classified as grades 3 and 4 according to the Kellgren-Lawrence system of classification were evaluated for preoperative pain intensity with the Visual Analogue Scale, knee flexion/extension range of movement with a clinical goniometer, and function with the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index. Patients were examined to reveal their reasons regarding the decision to undergo total knee arthroplasty (pain or function loss). [Results] The Visual Analog Scale scores at rest and during activity were 5.62 and 7.42, the knee flexion range of movement and extension limitation were 93.17° and −7.04°, and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index value was 82.09. Regarding the decision to undergo surgery, 47.3% (n=26) of the knees were in Group 1, and 52.7% were in Group 2; the two groups were not significantly different. There were also no significant differences between the groups in Visual Analog Scale score during activity, the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index value, and knee flexion range of movement and extension limitation. The only statistically significant difference was found in the Visual Analog Scale score at rest in Group 1, which was significantly higher than that in Group 2. [Conclusion] Our results showed that osteoarthritis patients decided to undergo surgery only if all of the parameters were impaired significantly. Both pain and function loss have a similar impact on a patient’s decision to undergo surgery. We observed no significant difference in clinical and self-reported outcomes between patients who decided to undergo surgery due to pain or function loss.     

A comparison of two manual physical therapy approaches and electrotherapy modalities for patients with knee osteoarthritis: A randomized three arm clinical trial

A broad spectrum of physical therapy exercise programs provides symptom relief and functional benefit for patients with knee OA. Manual physical therapy, including tailored exercise programs provide relatively higher level benefit that persists to one year. It is currently unknown if there are important differences in the effects of different manual physical therapy techniques for patients with knee OA and there are virtually no studies comparing manual physical therapy and electrotherapy modalities. The aim of the study was to compare long-term results between three treatment groups (mobilization with movements [MWMs], passive joint mobilization [PJM], and electrotherapy) to determine which treatment is most effective in patients with knee OA. A single-blind randomized clinical trial with parallel design was conducted in patients with knee OA. Seventy-two consecutive patients (mean age 56.11 ± 6.80 years) with bilateral knee OA were randomly assigned to one of three treatment groups: MWMs, PJM, and electrotherapy. All groups performed an exercise program and received 12 sessions. The primary outcome measures of the functional assessment were the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis index (WOMAC) and Aggregated Locomotor Function (ALF) test scores. The secondary outcome measures were pain level, measured using a pressure algometer and a visual analogue scale (VAS), range of motion (ROM), measured using a digital goniometer, and muscle strength, evaluated with a handheld dynamometer. Patients were assessed before treatment, after treatment and after 1 year of follow-up. Patients receiving the manual physical therapy interventions consisting of either MWM or PJM demonstrated a greater decrease in VAS scores at rest, during functional activities, and during the night compared to those in the electrotherapy group from baseline to after the treatment (p < 0.05). This improvement continued at the 1-year follow-up (p < 0.05). The MWMs and PJM groups also showed significantly improved WOMAC and ALF scores, knee ROM and quadriceps muscle strength compared to those in the electrotherapy group from baseline to 1-year follow-up (p < 0.05). In the treatment of patients with knee OA, manual physical therapy consisting of either MWM or PJM provided superior benefit over electrotherapy in terms of pain level, knee ROM, quadriceps muscle strength, and functional level.     

膝骨关节炎患者伸肌肌力与疼痛和功能状况的关系

目的调查膝骨关节炎患者患肢肌力与其疼痛和功能状况之间的关系。方法对25例经放射影像学确诊且有临床症状的膝关节骨关节炎患者进行西安大略和麦克马斯特大学（WOMAC）骨关节炎指数评分和等速肌力测试。结果膝骨关节炎患者患肢伸肌肌力与WOMAC疼痛得分、WOMAC日常活动能力得分、WOMAC总分之间存在相关性（P<0.05）。结论膝骨关节炎患者的疼痛和功能状况与患肢的伸肌肌力之间存在密切关系。     

Biomechanical and clinical outcomes with shock-absorbing insoles in patients with knee osteoarthritis: immediate effects and changes after 1 month of wear

Turpin KM, De Vincenzo A, Apps AM, Cooney T, MacKenzie MD, Chang R, Hunt MA. Biomechanical and clinical outcomes with shock-absorbing insoles in patients with knee osteoarthritis: immediate effects and changes after 1 month of wear.ObjectivesTo examine the effectiveness of shock-absorbing insoles in the immediate reduction of knee joint load, as well as reductions in knee joint load, pain, and dysfunction after 1 month of wear, in individuals with knee osteoarthritis (OA).DesignPre-post design with participants exposed to 2 conditions (normal footwear, shock-absorbing insoles) with a 1-month follow-up.SettingUniversity laboratory for testing and general community for intervention.ParticipantsCommunity-dwelling individuals (N=16; 6 men, 10 women) with medial compartment knee OA.InterventionParticipants were provided with sulcus length shock-absorbing insoles to be inserted into their everyday shoes.Main Outcome MeasuresPrimary outcome measures included the peak, early stance peak, and late stance peak external knee adduction moment (KAM); the KAM impulse (positive area under the KAM curve); and peak tibial vertical acceleration. Secondary outcomes included walking pain, the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index pain subscale and total score, and a timed stair climb task.ResultsThere was a significant reduction in the late stance peak KAM with shock-absorbing insoles (P=.03) during follow-up compared with the baseline test session. No other immediate or longitudinal significant changes (P>.05) in the other KAM parameters or peak tibial acceleration after use of a shock-absorbing insole were observed. However, significant improvements in all measures of pain and function (P<.05) were observed.ConclusionsShock-absorbing insoles produced significant reductions in self-reported knee joint pain and physical dysfunction with 1 month of wear in patients with knee OA despite no consistent changes in knee joint load. Further research using randomized controlled trials, with larger sample sizes and explorations into long-term use of shock-absorbing insoles and their effect on disease progression, is warranted.     

Group and home-based tai chi in elderly subjects with knee osteoarthritis: a randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of tai chi consisting of group and home-based sessions in elderly subjects with knee osteoarthritis. DESIGN: A randomized, controlled, single-blinded 12-week trial with stratification by age and sex, and six weeks of follow-up. SETTING: General community. PARTICIPANTS: Forty-one adults (70 +/- 9.2 years) with knee osteoarthritis. INTERVENTIONS: The tai chi programme featured six weeks of group tai chi sessions, 40 min/session, three times a week, followed by another six weeks (weeks 7 -12) of home-based tai chi training. Subjects were requested to discontinue tai chi training during a six-week follow-up detraining period (weeks 13-18). Subjects in the attention control group attended six weeks of health lectures following the same schedule as the group-based tai chi intervention (weeks 0 -6), followed by 12 weeks of no activity (weeks 7-18). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Knee pain measured by visual analogue scale, knee range of motion and physical function measured by Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) were recorded at baseline and every three weeks throughout the 18-week study period. Data were analysed using a mixed model ANOVA. RESULTS: The six weeks of group tai chi followed by another six weeks of home tai chi training showed significant improvements in mean overall knee pain (P = 0.0078), maximum knee pain (P = 0.0035) and the WOMAC subscales of physical function (P = 0.0075) and stiffness (P = 0.0206) compared to the baseline. No significant change of any outcome measure was noted in the attention control group throughout the study. The tai chi group reported lower overall pain and better WOMAC physical function than the attention control group at weeks 9 and 12. All improvements disappeared after detraining.     

Efficacy of Periosteal Stimulation for Chronic Pain Associated With Advanced Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized,Controlled Clinical Trial

Background

Because of morbidity associated with painful knee osteoarthritis (OA) and commonly prescribed analgesics, patients often pursue complementary and alternative modalities (eg, acupuncture). Clinical trials have demonstrated modest therapeutic efficacy of traditional Chinese acupuncture for knee OA pain, and patients with advanced disease have largely been excluded. We have previously demonstrated preliminary short-term tolerability and efficacy of periosteal stimulation therapy (PST) (ie, electrical stimulation of the periosteum facilitated by acupuncture needles) for older adults with advanced knee OA.

Objective

This study evaluated the sustained efficacy of PST and boosters for treating chronic pain with advanced knee OA.

Methods

One hundred ninety participants age >50 years with Kellgren-Lawrence grade 3 or 4 knee OA and chronic pain were randomized to (1) PST (once a week for 10 weeks) followed by PST boosters for 6 months (once every 2 weeks 2 times, then once a month), (2) control PST (ie, periosteal needles and brief electrical stimulation of control points) once a week for 10 weeks, or (3) PST for 10 weeks followed by control PST boosters for 6 months. Change in the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index pain score immediately after the 10-week intervention and at 6-month follow-up (9 months after baseline) was the primary outcome. OMERACT-OARSI (Outcome Measures in Rheumatology Clinical Trials–Osteoarthritis Research Society International) criteria also were evaluated. Secondary measures of outcome included (1) physical performance (Short Physical Performance Battery, gait speed, Timed Up and Go, and timed stair climb); (2) psychological factors (depressive symptoms measured with the Center for Epidemiologic Studies–Depression scale, coping measured with the catastrophizing subscale of the Coping Strategies Questionnaire, and self-efficacy measured with the Arthritis Self-Efficacy Scale); (3) health-related quality of life measured with the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey; (4) rescue pain medication use tracked with diaries; and (5) health care utilization and interim physical activity were monitored via monthly telephone calls.

Results

After adjustment for pain at baseline, the PST and control booster did not differ from controls at 10 weeks (difference, 1.3; 95% CI, −0.10 to 2.8; P = 0.0683) or 9 months (difference, 1.1; 95% CI, −0.32 to 2.6; P = 0.13). The PST and PST booster group had similar improvement compared with controls at 10 weeks (baseline adjusted difference, 1.1; 95% CI, −0.34 to 2.5; P = 0.1369) but significantly more improvement at 9 months (baseline adjusted difference, 1.5; 95% CI, 0.069 to 3.0; P = 0.0401). Baseline depressive symptoms, low self-efficacy, higher difficulty performing daily activities, and greater knee stiffness predicted a lower likelihood of response.

Conclusion

PST plus PST boosters in patients age >50 with advanced knee OA were well-tolerated and modestly reduced pain. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00865046.     

Association of Hypertension with Knee Pain Severity Among People with Knee Osteoarthritis

PurposeTo examine the association of hypertension with knee pain severity in individuals with knee osteoarthritis (OA).DesignCross-sectional study of baseline data collected by the Osteoarthritis Initiative.MethodsParticipants with knee OA (N=1,363) were categorized into four groups based on blood pressure (BP): 1) systolic < 120 mm HG and diastolic < 80 mm Hg; 2) 120 ≤ systolic < 130 mm Hg and diastolic < 80 mm Hg; 3) 130 ≤ systolic < 140 mm Hg or 80 ≤ diastolic < 90 mm Hg; 4) systolic ≥ 140 mm Hg or diastolic ≥ 90 mm Hg. OA knee pain severity was measured by Pain subscale of Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index in the past 48 hours, Pain subscale of Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) in the past 7 days, and numeric rating scale (NRS) in the past 30 days. Linear regression was used to examine the relationship between hypertension and knee pain severity.ResultsCompared with the normal BP group, individuals with stage 2 hypertension reported significantly higher OA knee pain severity by KOOS in the past 7 days (β=-2.05 [95% CI -4.09, -0.01], p=0.049) and by NRS in the past 30 days (β=0.31 [95% CI 0.01, 0.62], p=0.045) after adjustments for demographic and medical factors.ConclusionsHypertension was associated with higher OA knee pain severity in individuals with knee OA.Clinical ImplicationsNurses can recommend adjunctive non-pharmacological treatments and adherence strategies to help control hypertension, which may help decrease OA knee pain.