Responses to superficial heating and cooling differ in men and women with knee osteoarthritis

This investigation assessed differences between the response of men and women with knee osteoarthritis to superficial heat, cold, or contrast therapy applied with a water-circulating system or a standard heating pad, and rest. We further analyzed data from a previous study to better understand the influence of gender on the response to treatment based on Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) subscales and a visual analog pain scale (VAS). Using a within-subject, randomized order design, 34 patients received each treatment in 1-week blocks. A KOOS questionnaire and VAS were completed at baseline and twice each week. Women were more likely to report clinically meaningful improvement in pain and symptoms on the KOOS with the use of heat, cold, and a heating pad. There were no significant differences in response to treatment between men and women for the function-daily living and quality of life subscales or percent pain reduction on the VAS. Men and women reported improved quality of life with intervention. Women are more likely to report clinically meaningful improvement in pain and symptoms associated with knee OA following the use of superficial heat, cold, or a heating pad than men.