 |
|
|
 |
| |
|
|
Integrated approach
to knee osteoarthritis may be best
(1/18/2006)
By: Reuters Health
NEW YORK (Reuters Health), Jan 18, 2006 -
Therapy that includes exercise, ultrasound,
and hyaluranic acid treatment appears to be
effective against the pain and disability
associated with knee osteoarthritis,
according to a report by Taiwanese
researchers. To determine if an integrated
approach combining a variety of methods can
benefit osteoarthritis patients, Dr. Mao-Hsiung
Huang and colleagues at Kaohsiung Medical
University Hospital evaluated 140 patients
with bilateral moderate knee osteoarthritis.
The subjects were randomized to a control
group; to receive isokinetic muscular
strengthening exercises alone or in
combination with pulse ultrasound; or to
receive both of these interventions as well
as intra-articular hyaluronan therapy.
Treatments sessions were conducted three
times per week for eight weeks.
All patients who received treatment showed
increased muscle peak torque and significant
reductions in pain and disability after
treatment and after eight-week follow-up,
the researchers report in the December 15th
issue of Arthritis and Rheumatism.
Patients in groups with two or three
interventions showed significant
improvements in range of motion and
ambulation, as well as significant gains in
muscular strength. Patients in groups with
three interventions had the greatest gains
in muscle strength and also showed the
greatest increase in walking speed and
decrease in disability.
"Osteoarthritis is not a simple
wear-and-tear phenomenon," the researchers
point out. Therefore, they conclude that an
integrated therapeutic approach with
multiple interventions is indicated for
successful management.
Last Updated: 2006-01-17 13:30:16 -0400
(Reuters Health)
Arthritis Rheum 2005;53:812-820. |
|
|
| |
|
99 Crown's Lane Toronto,
Ontario | 647-344-2727 |
info@insideoutclinic.com |
|
|
