Abstract

Pulsed electromagnetic energy therapy (PEME) reduces pain and disability. The efficacy of PEME therapy in knee osteoarthritis is not known in Indian population.

Aims & Objective: To compare the effect of PEME therapy versus conventional therapy on pain and function in participants with knee OA.

Materials and Methods: A quasi experimental study of 20 participants fulfilling the inclusion and exclusion criteria, by selective sampling was conducted at college of physiotherapy. Participants were randomly allocated into 2 groups. Group A was given PEME therapy with Magnetodyne with frequency 15Hz for 30 minutes, 6 days/week for 2 weeks. Group B was given conventional physiotherapy in the form of hot pack to the knee for 10-15 minutes. Both groups also received a set of 10 repetitions of quadriceps drill and stretching of tight muscles for 30sec-3 repetitions. Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) was used to assess knee pain and Western Ontario McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) was used to measure knee pain, stiffness and physical function.

Results: Difference in VAS and WOMAC scores were calculated using t-test. Mean difference in VAS score for Group A (4.08 ± 1.10) and Group B (1.40 ± 0.21) was significant with significant difference in favor of Group A (t= 7.57, p

Key words: Pulsed Electromagnetic Energy (PEME) Therapy; Pain; Function; Osteoarthritis