Level of pain, balance and mobility: the effects of photobiomodulation associated with aerobic exercise in women with knee osteoarthritis

• Grant number: 18/07858-4
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: January 01, 2019
• End date: June 30, 2020
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy
• Principal Investigator: Ana Claudia Muniz Renno
• Grantee: Thatiane Izabele Ribeiro Santos
• Host Institution: Instituto de Saúde e Sociedade (ISS). Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP). Campus Baixada Santista. Santos , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Osteoarthritis is a chronic degenerative disease being well that lead to progressive loss of articular cartilage clinically reflected by pain, decreased range of motion, muscle weakness and loss of quality of life, especially in the elderly population over 65 years of age. In the context, an approach of non-pharmacological treatments such as physical exercise appears to be effective. In addition, resources like photobiomodulation have shown promising results. Thus, the aim of the study is to investigate the effects of photobiomodulation and anaerobic exercise protocol, with a purpose decrease pain, increase mobility and balance. There will be evaluated 34 subjects with knee OA and randomized in 2 groups: A- Exercise and Placebo Laser Group: treatment through the exercise protocol associated with irradiation placebo; B- Exercise and Laser Active Group: treatment through exercise protocol associated with irradiation active. As interventions performed. The exercise program will be preformed 2x/week and includes a warm-up phase, stimulus phase, and cooling phase. The laser will be applied in lower limb most affected. For evaluation and reevaluation, the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Result Score (KOOS) and Visual Analog Pain Scale (EVA) are applied. In addition, the six-minute walk test (6MWT), Timed Up and Go, Y test and Step down was developed. For a data analysis, normality in terms of information distribution and analysis for a choice of appropriate statistical tests.