Effect Of Pulsed Electromagnetic Field And Microwave Therapy On Pain And Physical Function In Older Adults With Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Background and purpose: Pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy and microwaves (MW) are two electrotherapy modalities that have shown to improve pain and function in patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA). Nevertheless, the effectiveness of these therapies is controversial due to diversity in the application parameters and treatment protocols in these patients. The objective is to compare the effectiveness of active PEMF versus MW, as well as sham PEMF, in addressing pain and improving functionality for treating KOA. Methods: Double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial. Participants diagnosed with KOA were assigned to an intervention combining an exercise program with active PEMF, MW, or sham PEMF, delivered in three weekly sessions over four weeks. The main outcomes were pain, reported on a 0–10 cm visual analogue scale (VAS), and functionality, as evaluated with the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis (WOMAC) questionnaire, and the Timed Up and Go test. The outcomes were measured at pre-intervention, immediately post-intervention, and one and four months after the intervention.