The effect of low-level laser therapy and physical exercise on pain, stiffness, function, and spatiotemporal gait variables in subjects with bilateral knee osteoarthritis: a blind randomized clinical trial.

CONCLUSIONS: The group treated only with exercise showed improvement in WOMAC questionnaire scores. Regarding the gait variables, all groups undergoing the interventions showed increases in the gait speed compared to the CG. The laser and exercise combination therapy provided the best results for the other gait variables (cadence and duration of right limb support and duration of single right limb support). Implications for rehabilitation There are differences in gait patterns in patients with knee OA, including decreased gait speed, cadence, and step length. The results shown in the present study provide additional information about the physical therapy approaches that should be chosen during clinical practical to improve gait performance in individuals with knee osteoarthritis. The improvement in gait performance is a relevant issue due to the fact that is associated to physical independence and better quality of life. PMID: 30324827 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Source: Disability and Rehabilitation - Category: Rehabilitation Authors: Tags: Disabil Rehabil Source Type: research