A comparison of two manual physical therapy approaches and electrotherapy modalities for patients with knee osteoarthritis: A randomized three arm clinical trial.

Q: What does this study say about knee pain?

For individuals considering reflexology treatment for knee osteoarthritis, the study indicates that manual techniques such as mobilization with movements or passive joint mobilization might be more effective for pain relief and functional improvement compared to other methods.

Q: How strong is this evidence?

This is a randomised trial and we rate its evidence strong. It covers 72 participants. It was published in Physiotherapy theory and practice, a Q2 journal. This study is indexed here for context; it did not test reflexology itself.

Q: What are the limitations of this study?

The study had a relatively small sample size and did not include a placebo group in the comparison.

Authors: Ebru Kaya Mutlu, Ersin Ercin, Arzu Razak Ozdıncler, Nadir OnesJournal: Physiotherapy theory and practicePublished: September 19, 2018DOI: 10.1080/09593985.2018.1423591

Q2 JournalSJR: 1.215h-index: 42SCImago

Strong EvidenceRandomized Controlled Trialn=72 participants

Knee Pain / Osteoarthritis

In Plain Language: knee pain, explained

The study examined the effects of different physical therapy techniques on patients with knee osteoarthritis. It found that manual therapies like mobilization with movements (MWMs) and passive joint mobilization (PJM) significantly reduced pain and improved function more effectively than electrotherapy over a one-year period. These findings are important because they suggest that specific manual therapies can provide lasting relief for patients suffering from knee osteoarthritis.

Key Findings: what this randomised trial found about knee pain

✓Manual therapies led to a significant decrease in pain levels measured with VAS scores (p < 0.05).
✓Improvements in physical function were observed in WOMAC and ALF scores (p < 0.05).
✓Greater increases in knee range of motion and quadriceps muscle strength were noted in MWM and PJM groups compared to electrotherapy (p < 0.05).
✓Effects persisted with follow-up at one year, demonstrating the long-term benefits of manual therapies.

What This Means for You

For individuals considering reflexology treatment for knee osteoarthritis, the study indicates that manual techniques such as mobilization with movements or passive joint mobilization might be more effective for pain relief and functional improvement compared to other methods.

What This Means for Practitioners

Reflexology practitioners can use these findings to inform clients about the potential benefits of manual therapies for knee osteoarthritis, positioning these methods as effective options for managing pain and improving mobility.

Study Design: how this randomised trial was run

Blinding

single blind

Control

active

Duration

12 sessions over 1 year

Sample Size

72 participants

Limitations: what it cannot tell you about knee pain

The study had a relatively small sample size and did not include a placebo group in the comparison.

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Knee pain: common questions

What does this study say about knee pain?

What did this study find?

Manual therapies led to a significant decrease in pain levels measured with VAS scores (p < 0.05). Improvements in physical function were observed in WOMAC and ALF scores (p < 0.05). Greater increases in knee range of motion and quadriceps muscle strength were noted in MWM and PJM groups compared to electrotherapy (p < 0.05).

How strong is this evidence?

This is a randomised trial and we rate its evidence strong. It covers 72 participants. It was published in Physiotherapy theory and practice, a Q2 journal. This study is indexed here for context; it did not test reflexology itself.