The Effect of Combining Phonophoresis and Mobilization with Movement in the Management of Knee Osteoarthritis: A Clinical Trial with Randomization

Abstract

Background: Knee osteoarthritis is a major musculoskeletal problem especially in senior population. It is mechanical dysfunction and reflects degenerative changes. Clinically it manifests as pain and disability in performing activities of daily livings. Objective: The aims was to establish effect of combining Phonophoresis with Mobilization with Movement in patients with knee osteoarthritis for improvement in pain & stiffness level, functional abilities Methodology: This was Randomized Clinical Trial. A sample size of 75 participants with Osteoarthritis of knee was randomized into 3 groups of 25 participants. Group-A was treated With the Phonophoresis (Ultrasound with ketoprofen gel) alone and Group-B with Mobilization with movement alone while Group C with combination of Phonophresis and Mobilization with movement. All the three groups were treated 6times over 3 weeks. Data was collected before first treatment as baseline, after 6th treatment at 3 week period and at 6th week as follow-up. The outcomes measure used were the NRS-101 pain scale, Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnairefor pain assessment, goniometry for measurement of range and for assessing functional level the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index was used. Results: In this study, statistically significant intra-group changes (p<0.05) were noted for mobilization with movement (Group B) and particularly mobilization with movement and Phonophoresis (Group C) in all outcome measures. Conclusion: This randomized clinical trial contributes to the current evidence available to practitioners about the potential utility of mobilization with movement, particularly mobilization with movement in combination with Phonophoresis in the symptomatic treatment of knee osteoarthritis. Keywords: Knee Osteoarthritis, Mobilization with Movement, Phonophoresis