Effectiveness of Manual Traction in Comparison to Electrotherapy (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation - Tens) in the Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis

Abstract

OBJECTIVE To determine the effects of manual traction in knee arthritis patients in comparison to electrotherapy (TENS). STUDY DESIGN Randomized Control Trial (Experimental Study). STUDY SETTINGS & PARTICIPANTS Study was conducted in a Tertiary Care Hospital with a sample of 310 participants. INTERVENTIONS Manual traction and Electrotherapy Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) will be used to manage pain in patients with Knee Osteoarthritis. OUTCOME MEASURES Oxford Knee Pain Scale was used to measure pain and functional activities. RESULTS Improvements were seen in both groups but results of manual traction were more significant. There were major differences present in knee pain intensity before and after treatment. The group that received manual traction reported a decrease in the severity of pain of mean 15.01 which is comparatively better than the group that received electro therapy and reported a decrease in severity of pain of mean 12.42. CONCLUSION The result of this research supports the application of manual TF joint traction as a mean of stretching shortened articular and periarticular tissues with decreased in levels of pain either during the treatment or at the end of session. There is significant improvement in knee flexion AROM. Pain level decreases during every treatment session. KEY WORDS Knee Pain, Traction, Mobilization, Tibio-Femoral Joint, TENS, Knee OA.