Photobiomodulation and sensory-motor trainning in women with knee osteoarthritis

• Grant number: 18/05992-5
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Effective date (Start): October 01, 2018
• Effective date (End): December 31, 2019
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy
• Principal Investigator: Ana Claudia Muniz Renno
• Grantee: Ana Beatriz Balão
• Host Institution: Instituto de Saúde e Sociedade (ISS). Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP). Campus Baixada Santista. Santos , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The growth of the elderly population is closely linked to the increased incidence of chronic degenerative diseases. Among them, osteoarthritis (OA), more common in the knee joint, leads to the onset of pain, reduced motor function and quality of life. Non-pharmacological treatments like physical exercise stand out as effective. In addition, the use of other features such as photobiomodulation has shown promising results. Thus, the objective of this study is to investigate the effects of photobiomodulation associated with a sensory-motor exercise protocol on pain, joint stiffness, functionality, mobility, strength muscular and quality of life in patients with knee OA. In order, the participants will be randomized to 2 groups: Exercise Laser Placebo Group (ELPG, n = 17) treatment with the exercise protocol and irradiation of the placebo laser and Active Laser Exercise Group (ELAG, n = 17) treatment with the exercise protocol active laser irradiation. The interventions will be performed 2x / week for a period of 8 weeks. The cluster (850nm, 100mW, 4J/point, totaling 56J) will be applied to the most affected knee. To evaluate and reevaluate the questionnaire Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), Visual Analog Pain Scale (EVA), Y Balance Test, Timed Get Up and Go (TGUG), Step Down Test, quadriceps strength before and after the interventions. For the analysis of the data, normality in terms of sample distribution will be investigated for the choice of appropriate statistical tests.