Dilek Ün OĞUZHANASİLTÜRK, Berrin HÜNER, Sevgi ATAR, Mehmet Hayri ÖZGÜZEL
Comprehensive Medicine - 2026;18(3):296-301
Objective: This study aimed to compare the effects of two therapeutic ultrasound application techniques, pulsed and continuous, on pain, functional capacity, and quality of life in patients with primary knee osteoarthritis. Materials and Methods: This assessor-blinded, prospective, randomized controlled clinical trial included patients randomly assigned to three groups: (1) pulsed ultrasound + hot pack + exercise, (2) hot pack + exercise (control), and (3) continuous ultrasound + hot pack + exercise. Ultrasound therapy was applied for 15 sessions over three weeks. All participants were evaluated before treatment, immediately after treatment, and at the two-month follow-up. Pain was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS); functional status was assessed using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and the Lequesne Index; quality of life was assessed using the SF-36; and muscle strength was measured using isokinetic dynamometry. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS software with appropriate parametric and non-parametric tests. A p value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Pain and WOMAC scores improved over time in all groups. Both pulsed and continuous ultrasound groups demonstrated improvements in Lequesne Index scores and extensor muscle strength; however, no significant difference was observed between the two ultrasound modalities (p>0.05). Improvements were also observed in several SF-36 domains, including physical functioning, bodily pain, and social functioning. Conclusion: Both pulsed and continuous therapeutic ultrasound, combined with hot pack and exercise, improved pain and functional outcomes in patients with primary knee osteoarthritis, with no significant difference between ultrasound modalities.
