Study and comparison of the effect of TECAR therapy in the symptoms and functions of the patients with knee osteoarthritis; a non-blind, controlled clinical trial

Abstract

Introduction: Knee osteoarthritis is a prevalent condition contributing to disability worldwide, primarily treated with non-surgical approaches to alleviate pain and improve function. Transfer energy capacitive and resistive (TECAR) therapy is a non-invasive method gaining attention for managing musculoskeletal conditions, though its efficacy for knee osteoarthritis remains underexplored. Objectives: To compare the effects of TECAR therapy and physiotherapy on symptoms and function in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Patients and Methods: This single blind, randomized clinical trial compared the efficacy of TECAR therapy to standard physiotherapy in treating knee osteoarthritis at Amin hospital's physical therapy clinic (Isfahan university of medical sciences) during 2023-2024. Forty patients with mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis were divided into two groups: one received standard physiotherapy for 10 sessions, and the other underwent six sessions of TECAR therapy. Pain and functional outcomes were assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) at baseline and during follow-ups immediately after the treatment and at one and three months. Results: Both groups showed significant improvements from baseline in VAS and WOMAC scores (P< 0.001). However, TECAR therapy yielded greater reductions in pain and improvements in function, particularly at the three-month follow-up (P < 0.001). The TECAR group also showed significant enhancements in WOMAC pain and stiffness sub-scores, attributed to TECAR's deep tissue heating effect, which facilitates improved circulation and cellular repair (P< 0.001 and P< 0.005, respectively). Conclusion: TECAR therapy was effective for managing knee osteoarthritis, with greater improvements in pain and function than standard physiotherapy. Although limited by sample size and lack of placebo control, these findings support TECAR therapy as a promising non-surgical treatment for knee osteoarthritis.