Pulsed Shortwave Therapy in Cervical Osteoarthritis: an NSAID- Controlled, Randomized Clinical Trial

Abstract Assess treatment superiority of pulsed shortwave therapy (PSWT) against COX-2 NSAID therapy, in reducing disability and pain due to cervical osteoarthritis. Two hundred chronic suffers (average duration about 2 years) diagnosed with osteoarthritis by radiological imaging were randomized into one two arms: treatment; etoricoxib 60 mg/day for 4 weeks; or PSWT worn 24 h/day weeks. The primary outcome measure was the 4-week score on Neck Disability Index (NDI), a 10-question assessment 50-point scale. Secondary measures included (at rest during activity) measured visual analog scale (VAS) 0–100 mm, dose count rescue medication (paracetamol) use, satisfaction rating. These scores compared across arms assess superiority. After weeks treatment, subjects both study reported statistically significant ( p < 0.0001) reductions NDI, final 11.24-NSAID 9.34-PSWT, VAS , 30.08-NSAID; 22.76-PSWT, activity 36.40-NSAID; 27.42-PSWT. absolute reduction from baseline NDI significantly greater arm than (3.66 points; 95% CI 2.3 5.02; 0.0001). Similarly, (10.89 mm; 6.90 14.87; 0.0001; 12.05 7.76 16.33; 0.0001, respectively). used 50% less medication. Eleven adverse effects zero arm. Both treatments resulted improvements quality life (NDI) resulting However, intervention showed superior all when no effects. Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT03542955).