Eficácia das correntes diadinâmicas associadas a exercícios em pacientes com osteoartrite de joelho

Resumo (EN)

Objective – To compare the effect of isolated diadynamic therapy associated with exercises in pain relief, range of motion, mobility, functionality and quality of life of patients with knee osteoarthritis. Methods – Forty individuals, forty six to eighty years old were randomized into Group diadynamics associated exercises and Group exercises, being attended three times a week for two months. In Group diadynamics was applied the two-phase current and long period of diadynamics apparel, four minutes each on the medial and lateral knee and performed exercises. The exercises were identical in both groups. The nonparametric Mann-Whitney test found if there was difference between the two groups in each variable. It was created a table with the dispersion of variables in order to visualize, in regard to improvement and possible differences between them. Results – It is understood that the improved pain relief on the diadynamics group has enhanced better execution of the exercises, promoting significant improvement in stiffness variables, mobility and functionality. This improvement is attributed to the application of the current two-phase, followed by long period of diadynamics. Conclusion – This study shows that the combination of diadynamics to exercises was more effective in improving pain, joint mobility and function in patients with knee OA, compared to the isolated application exercises.