Evaluation of the efficacy of transfer energy capacitive and resistive therapy in patients with knee osteoarthritis

Resumen

Background/aim: The aim of present study was to investigate the treatment efficacy of transfer energy capacitive and resistive (TECAR) therapy, a modern application that has been increasingly used in recent years, compared to conventional physical therapy (CPT) applications in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis, according to the evaluation of clinical findings of patients.Materials and methods: A total of 54 patients, aged between 40 and 75 years, were randomly divided into two groups. Both groups received CPT. Group 2 received TECAR therapy in addition to CPT, applied three times a week for two weeks, for a total of 6 sessions. All patient's knee joint range of motion (ROM) was measured goniometrically, isometric quadriceps muscle strength was measured, and pain levels were assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and disability levels were assessed using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) before treatment, at the end of treatment, at 1 month, and at 3 months.Results: In both groups, significant improvements in VAS, WOMAC and isometric quadriceps strength scores were observed in the post-treatment follow-ups compared to the pre-treatment follow-up. However, there was no significant difference between the groups. Conclusion: TECAR therapy can be a useful therapeutic option for the conservative management of knee osteoarthritis.