Effectiveness of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy for Daily Physical Performance in Knee Osteoarthritis Patients

Abstract

Introduction: Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most significant contributors to disability regarding limitation in transfer and ambulation. Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) has recently been developed as regenerative therapy. However, its effect on daily performance is limited. This study aims to evaluate ESWT on improving daily performance in knee OA patients. Methods: Thirteen OA patients were selected in one-group pretest–posttest design. Each participant received ESWT once a week for 6 weeks. Functional performance tests such as transfer ability by 30 s chair stand test (30s-CST) and ambulation with Timed Up and Go (TUG) test were evaluated before therapy (T1), at 3 weeks (T2), and 6 weeks after completing serial intervention (T3). A paired t-test was used to assess ESWT on changes in TUG and 30s-CST results. Effect size evaluated using Cohen’s D. Pearson correlation test analyzed the correlation of other variables with TUG and 30s-CST, as well as between TUG and 30s-CST. Results: There were significant improvements with a large effect size in 30s-CST during T2 (P = 0.001, r = 1.28) and T3 (P = 0.001; r = 1.265). It also happened in TUG results with T2 (P = 0.004, r = 0.978) and T3 (P = 0.002, r = 0.855). Pearson correlation test showed that body mass index was correlated with 30s-CST. TUG has a correlation with the onset of OA, IMT, and WBS, as well as 30s-CST correlated with TUG results. Conclusions: ESWT intervention for 6 weeks was proven to be effective in improving basic daily performance in knee OA patients.