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Evaluation of treatment parameters for focused-extracorporeal shock wave therapy in knee osteoarthritis patients with
Hani Al-Abbad1, Jacqueline E Reznik2, Erik Biros3
1Physical Therapy department, Rehabilitation hospital, King Fahad Medical City. Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; College of Healthcare Science and Division of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, Australia.
Objectives:
To evaluate the effect of different dosage parameters of focused-extracorporeal shock wave therapy on pain and physical function in knee osteoarthritis patients with bone marrow lesions. In addition, to investigate pathophysiological changes based on imaging and biomarker measures.
Methods:
Using a single-case experimental design, a total of 12 participants were randomly allocated in 4 equal groups of 3 to receive different dosages of focused-extracorporeal shock wave therapy. Each group received either 4 or 6 sessions of 1500 or 3000 shocks over 4 or 6 weekly sessions. Participants underwent repeated measurements during the baseline, intervention, and post-intervention phases for Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) score, aggregated locomotor function score and pressure pain threshold. Imaging and inflammatory biomarker outcomes were measured at baseline and 3 months following the intervention.
Results:
The group receiving the highest dosage of focused-extracorporeal shock wave therapy showed clinical improvements superior to those of participants in the other 3 groups. Statistically significant changes during the follow-up phase in contrast to baseline measurements for the WOMAC score (Tau-U= -0.88, p < 0.001), aggregated locomotor function score (Tau-U= -0.77, p = 0.002), and pressure pain threshold (Tau-U= 0.54, p = 0.03) were observed. Bone marrow lesion and inflammatory cytokines demonstrated no change.
Conclusion:
A dose-dependent effect for focused-extracorporeal shock wave therapy on osteoarthritis-related symptoms was suggested. However, these improvements were not associated with changes in the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms.
