Epidural Steroid Injections for Lumbar Disc Herniation and Lumbar Degenerative Disc Disease.

INTRODUCTION

Patellofemoral osteoarthritis (PFOA) is a common source of anterior knee pain and functional limitation, affecting quality of life and mobility in older adults. While conventional exercise remains central to conservative management, adjunctive modalities such as laser therapy and longwave diathermy are being investigated for their added benefits.

OBJECTIVES

The objective of the study is to compare the effectiveness of conventional exercises combined with laser therapy versus conventional exercises combined with longwave diathermy in reducing pain and enhancing functional outcomes among patients with PFOA.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

A prospective comparative study design was adopted. A total of eligible participants with clinically diagnosed PFOA were recruited using purposive sampling from outpatient physiotherapy clinics. Participants were divided into two groups: Group A received conventional exercise therapy plus laser therapy, while Group B received conventional exercise therapy plus longwave diathermy. Interventions were provided 3 times per week for 6 weeks. Outcome measures included the numerical pain rating scale for pain, the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) for endurance and mobility, and the knee outcome survey-activities of daily living scale (KOS-ADLS) for functional status. Pre- and post-intervention data were analyzed using paired and unpaired statistical tests with a significance level of P < 0.05.

RESULTS

Both groups showed statistically significant improvements across all outcomes post-intervention. However, Group A (exercise + laser therapy) demonstrated greater reductions in pain, longer walking distances on the 6MWT, and superior functional scores on the KOS-ADLS when compared to Group B.

CONCLUSION

The combination of laser therapy with conventional exercises proved more effective than longwave diathermy with exercises in improving pain and function in PFOA patients. Given the results, laser therapy may be recommended as a more beneficial adjunct to conventional rehabilitation strategies.