مجله جراحی استخوان و مفاصل ایران

چکیده Background: Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is a common conservative treatment for knee osteoarthritis. However, Although TENS has been commonly used for knee osteoarthritis, its effectiveness in alleviating symptoms remains unclear or inconclusive, Given the prevalence and impact of knee osteoarthritis, understanding the effectiveness of TENS is crucial for informing clinical practices
Objectives: This meta-analysis evaluates the effects of TENS on key symptoms of knee osteoarthritis, including pain, function, and range of motion.
Methods: Two independent investigators conducted comprehensive searches in multiple databases, including PubMed, Embassy, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library, to identify relevant studies. They extracted the data and assessed them with the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool. The standardized mean difference (SMD) was calculated using RevMan 5.4.1 to assess the effect size of TENS compared to control groups, follow-up, TENS type, electrode location, number of sessions, combining TENS with exercise, sample size, and publication year.
Results: A total of 32 articles were included in the qualitative review, and 23 were included in the meta-analysis.
TENS was significantly more effective than sham TENS in reducing pain (I² = 76%, P < 0.0001), while no significant difference was found when compared to active interventions (I² = 70%, P = 0.71). Active intervention improved function immediately (I2: 0%; P=0.04), compared to TENS significantly increased the active knee range of motion immediately compared to sham TENS (I² = 0%, P = 0.002).
Conclusion: TENS reduces pain and increases active range of motion compared to sham TENS, but it does not have a significant effect on joint function and stiffness.
TENS demonstrates similar effectiveness to active interventions in reducing pain, though it does not significantly impact joint function or stiffness.