Abstract Title:

Massage therapy for osteoarthritis of the knee: a randomized controlled trial.

Abstract Source:

Arch Intern Med. 2006 Dec 11-25;166(22):2533-8. PMID: 17159021

Abstract Author(s):

Adam I Perlman, Alyse Sabina, Anna-Leila Williams, Valentine Yanchou Njike, David L Katz

Article Affiliation:

Institute for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, School of Health Realted Profession, Newark, NJ 07107-1709, USA. [email protected]

Abstract:

BACKGROUND: Massage therapy is an attractive treatment option for osteoarthritis (OA), but its efficacy is uncertain. We conducted a randomized, controlled trial of massage therapy for OA of the knee. METHODS: Sixty-eight adults with radiographically confirmed OA of the knee were assigned either to treatment (twice-weekly sessions of standard Swedish massage in weeks 1-4 and once-weekly sessions in weeks 5-8) or to control (delayed intervention). Primary outcomes were changes in the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) pain and functional scores and the visual analog scale of pain assessment. The sample provided 80% statistical power to detect a 20-point difference between groups in the change from baseline on the WOMAC and visual analog scale, with a 2-tailed alpha of .05. RESULTS: The group receiving massage therapy demonstrated significant improvements in the mean (SD) WOMAC global scores (-17.44 [23.61] mm; P<.001), pain (-18.36 [23.28]; P<.001), stiffness (-16.63 [28.82] mm; P<.001), and physical function domains (-17.27 [24.36] mm; P<.001) and in the visual analog scale of pain assessment (-19.38 [28.16] mm; P<.001), range of motion in degrees (3.57 [13.61]; P = .03), and time to walk 50 ft (15 m) in seconds (-1.77 [2.73]; P<.01). Findings were unchanged in multivariable models controlling for demographic factors. CONCLUSIONS: Massage therapy seems to be efficacious in the treatment of OA of the knee. Further study of cost effectiveness and duration of treatment effect is clearly warranted. .

Study Type : Animal Study

Print Options


Key Research Topics

This website is for information purposes only. By providing the information contained herein we are not diagnosing, treating, curing, mitigating, or preventing any type of disease or medical condition. Before beginning any type of natural, integrative or conventional treatment regimen, it is advisable to seek the advice of a licensed healthcare professional.

© Copyright 2008-2024 GreenMedInfo.com, Journal Articles copyright of original owners, MeSH copyright NLM.