Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic disease associated with significant morbidity. The aim of this study was to compare the isolated exercises with association of pulsed (PUS) and continuous (CUS) ultrasound with exercise in reducing pain, improving range of motion (ROM), muscle strength (MS), quality of life (QL) and functionality of patients with knee OA. Thirty individuals, 50 to 75 years old, 2-4 OA grade, were randomized: Group CUS (CUS + exercise), Group PUS (PUS + exercise) and EXE group (exercises). The groups were evaluated before and after treatment. The intervention was performed three times a week for eight weeks: in the first four weeks, it was applied CUS or PUS, and in other weeks, exercises were carried out. The EXE group performed exercises for eight weeks. For intra-group analysis, the Wilcoxon test was used and inter-group analysis, the Kruskall-Walis test was used. Within the groups, the USC group showed significant improvement (p<0.05) in variables of Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis (WOMAC) pain, function and total score; the Group USP in pain-rest, ROM, MS, variables of WOMAC pain, function and total score; and EXE Group in mobility and ROM. In intergroup comparison, the USC group showed significant improvement (p<0.05) when compared to other groups in pain-rest, ROM, variables of WOMAC function and total score and EXE group in WOMAC-pain. The association of USC and exercise was more effective in reducing pain, ROM, function and QL in patients with knee OA.
osteoarthritis, knee; exercise therapy; ultrasonic therapy
