SHORT TERM EFFECTS OF LOW-FREQUENCY AND LOW INTENSITY ELECTROSTATIC FIELD IN PATIENTS WITH KNEE JOINT OSTEOARTHRITIS

Introduction: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a widespread disease among adult population and is one of the major public health problems. OA is leading cause of disability the joints of lower limbs: knee and hip. As global life expectancy increases, it predicted that OA will be the leading cause of damage resulting in permanent disability. In cases of OA a reduction in cartilage tissue is observed, which is radiographically demonstrated by narrowing of the joint space and bone changes, osteophytes and subchondral bone sclerosis. However, a significant proportion of patients with radiological evidence of gonarthritis do not report joint pain. It is important to evaluate the changes occurring in the surrounding tissues. Muscle weakness of m. quadriceps femoris may occur before pain and impaired joint function. The development and application of new non-pharmacological methods in the rehabilitation of degenerative joint diseases is particularly important.Purpose: To establish the short-term therapeutic effects of treatment with Low-frequency and Low-intensive electrostatic field, applied through Deep Oscillation® method and complex of therapeutic exercises in rehabilitation of patients with osteoarthritis of the knee.Materials and methods: We conducted a one-year observational study involving 23 patients with clinical symptoms and radiologically proven II and III stage according Kellgren-Lawrence gonarthritis, aged between 42 and 78 years, were observed. 15 of them were women average age 61.73±12.9 years vs 8 - males average age 61.75±9.6 years (p=0.997). The duration of the current pain-episode was 1.7±0.7 months. The treatment was conducted in 10 sessions and included: Low-frequency and Low-intensity electrostatic field and complex therapeutic exercises.Results: The results were evaluated before and after completion of therapeutic course by assessing pain (VAS) at rest, when walking, climbing and descending on stairs, Manual Muscle Testing, Measurment of the knee joint circumference, Test Range of Motion and WOMAC Osteoarthritis Index, V.LK 3.1. were tracked. For processing statistical data SPSS v.13 was used. There was a statistically significant reduction of pain syndrome at rest (p<0.001), walking (p<0.001), descending stairs (p<0.001), climbing (p<0.001). Reduction of knee joint circumference (p<0.001). Increasing the range of flexion before Ме (Range) from 105º (90º-120º) versus 120º (100º-125º) after therapy. Reduced deficiency at an extension from 3.48 ± 4.38 before therapy to recovery of the extension. Improved total WOMAC Index (p<0.001), Stiffness (p<0.001) and Function (p<0.001).Conclusion: The short-term effects of the application of Low-frequency and Low-intensive electrostatic field in complex with therapeutic exercises show reduction of clinical symptoms and improvement of daily functional activity in patients with knee joint osteoarthritis. Reduction of pain of rest and physical activity (walking, descending and climbing stairs) is observed, oedema is reduced, joint range of motion increases, immediately after completion of the therapeutic course. Because of the small number of patients included in the study for better objectifying of the effects of the low-frequency and low-intensity electrostatic field, the studies should continue.