Effect of low power laser associated or not a physical exercise in subjects with knee osteoarthritis: randomized clinical trial on the impact of physical therapy in control and functionality postural

• Grant number: 13/18319-3
• Support type: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• Effective date (Start): January 01, 2014
• Effective date (End): August 31, 2017
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy
• Principal researcher: Daniela Cristina Carvalho de Abreu
• Grantee: Roberta de Matos Brunelli Braghin
• Home Institution: Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto (FMRP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil
• Associated scholarship(s): 15/02092-5 - Patellofemoral stress in runners, BE.EP.DR

Abstract

This study will assess the effects of therapy (low-level laser and exercise), both or alone, in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA). 60 individuals will be diagnosed with knee OA grades I-III through X-ray, which will be randomized into 4 groups: 1) CG (n = 15) = Control group, individuals with OA without treatment, 2) LG (n = 15) = group laser, treated with laser 808nm and energy density 5.5J; 3) EG (n = 15) = group exercise, treated by physical exercises (warm-up, strengthening, stretching and aerobic activity), 4) LEG (n = 15) = Group laser exercise, treated with laser and exercises. Interventions will be carried out during 2 months, twice a week. Will be analyzed by the isokinetic that will be evaluate the strength and power of the knee extensor muscles in the angular velocities 60°/s and 180°/s with the Biodex equipment, analysis of gait variables: speed, cadence, stride length, duration of the stance phase, duration of the single support phase of gait variability and intra-subjects with the equipment Gaitrite and functionality and postural control through the Balance Master in three different situations: static position (orthostatic) eyes open and eyes closed, the test rise a chair and climbing stairs. After two months, all volunteers will be reevaluated. Statistical analysis will be performed using MANOVAs, ANOVAs, Pearson correlation tests and linear regression analyzes. Univariate analysis and Post Hoc (Tukey) tests will also be considered if necessary. Significance level of 5% (p d 0.05) will be adopted. (AU)