The effects of high and low dose extracorporeal shockwave therapy on immune activation and immunosuppressive markers in elderly patients with osteoarthritis: a study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
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Published on: August 2, 2024
Yilan Sheng1,2, Haiyin Yuan1, Lihua Chen1
1Department of Rehabilitation, Shanghai Fifth Rehabilitation Hospital No. 279, Ledu Road, Shanghai 201600, China.
Objective:
This randomized controlled trial aims to compare the effects of high versus low dose extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) on immune system activation and regulation in elderly patients with osteoarthritis.
Methods:
120 patients aged 65 years and older with knee osteoarthritis will be randomly allocated to receive either high dose (0.25 mJ/mm2) or low dose (0.10 mJ/mm2) ESWT administered weekly for 4 weeks. Serum cytokines, stimulated immune cell subsets, and T regulatory cells will be measured at baseline, 4 weeks after intervention and at 1-month follow-up.
Results:
High dose ESWT will increase pro-inflammatory cytokines and decrease immunosuppressive T regulatory cells compared to low dose ESWT in elderly osteoarthritis patients may be the outcome mainly.
Conclusion:
This study will provide evidence on ESWT dosing protocols and their differential immunomodulatory effects, which can guide optimal use for musculoskeletal conditions in geriatric populations.
