Purpose:
Osteoarthritis is a complex pathophysiology that affects joints and supporting structures. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of eight weeks of EMS training and hydrotherapy on pain and quality of life in patients with knee osteoarthritis.
Methods:
The present study was a quasi-experimental study with a pre-test and post-test design. The statistical population of the present study consisted of all women in District 8 of Tehran who had knee osteoarthritis. 45 women with knee osteoarthritis (45-55 years old) were selected conveniently and randomly assigned to three groups: EMS training (15 people), hydrotherapy (15 people) and control (15 people). the experimental group performed their specific exercises for 8 weeks, two 30-minute sessions each week. Pain and quality of life were measured with the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and the WHO Quality of Life Questionnaire, respectively. Data were analyzed using the covariance test at a significance level of 0/05.
Results:
And after the exercises, there was a significant difference in pain in the EMS group (η2=0/84, P=0/001) and hydrotherapy (η2=0/8, P=0/001) and quality of life in the EMS group (η2=0/68, P=0/001) and hydrotherapy (η2=0.8, P=0/001). Regarding pain, after controlling for the effect of pre-test scores, the results of the analysis of covariance test showed that there was a significant difference between the groups in pain scores (F_41و2=167/86, p=0/001, η2=0/8) and quality of life (F_41و2=115/34, p=0/001, η2=0/84). The results of the Bonferroni post hoc test showed that regarding pain, the EMS group showed a difference compared to the control group (3/593) and the hydrotherapy group (1/776) (P=0/001). Regarding quality of life, the mean difference between the EMS group and the control group was (13/184) and (5/947) compared to the hydrotherapy group (P=0/001). Thus, both hydrotherapy and EMS were effective in improving pain and quality of life, but the mean difference between hydrotherapy and EMS in improving quality of life was 5/947 and in reducing pain was 1/817, so EMS exercises resulted in greater improvement in pain and quality of life than hydrotherapy.
Conclusion:
Both exercise programs were effective in improving pain and quality of life, but the results of the Bonferroni post hoc test showed that EMS training was more effective than hydrotherapy training in improving pain and quality of life in women. Future research should investigate the effectiveness of these interventions in men.