The Influence of Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy and Kinesiotherapy on Health Status in Females with Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Objective: Evaluation the effectiveness of two conservative treatments on quality of life in females with knee osteoarthritis (OA). Methods: 60 females (age 40–75) were randomized to a five-week treatment of extracorporeal shockwave therapy group (ESWT, n=30) or a kinesiotherapy group (KIN, n=30). At baseline and after the 5-weeks’ treatment, quality of life (WOMAC), pain (VAS), movement of the knees in extension and flexion (ROM), and a walked distance (6-MWT) were recorded. Results: Post-intervention both groups reached improvement of health status, but the significant differences favoring the ESWT were found with regard to WOMAC, MD (mean difference)=20 points, 95% CI (confidence interval) [-25 to -4], p=0.006 for total scores, VAS in the right and left knees, MD=2 cm, 95% CI [-2 to -1], p <0.001, and MD=1 cm, 95% CI [-2 to -1], p=0.007 respectively, ROM (extension) in both knees, MD=3 degrees, 95% CI [-4 to -1], p=0.028 and p=0.014 respectively, ROM (flexion) in both knees, MD=7 degrees, 95% CI [3 to 10, and 4 to 11], p=0.007 and p < 0.001 respectively, and 6-MWT, MD=44 m, 95% CI [26 to 62], p<0.001. Conclusion: Among the females, treated for OA of the knee, ESWT led to greater health benefits than KIN protocol.