Abstract
Patients with moderate to severe osteoarthritis of the knee, on a waiting list for total knearthroplasty, were recruited to a double-blind, randomized clinical trial evaluating neoprene knee braces containing high-power static magnets or sham magnets. Patients wore the brace for a minimum of six hours per day and were evaluated at baseline, two, six, twelve and twenty-four weeks. The subjective outcomes (MACTAR, WOMAC, KOOS, SF-36) and functional outcomes (six minute walk, thirty second stair climb) showed no statistically significant differences between the groups at any of the follow-up time periods.
The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of neoprene knee braces containing high-power static magnets to sham magnets in the management of osteoarthritis of the knee
No statistically significant difference in patient-related quality-of-life and objective functional evaluation was found between groups.
This study provides patients and doctors with evidence as to the efficacy of this type of therapy. It will allow those individuals on fixed incomes to utilize their resources to the best advantage to minimize their symptoms related to osteoarthritis of the knee.
A prospective double-blinded randomized clinical trial was conducted. Ninety-five patients with moderate to severe osteoarthritis of the knee were randomized to receive a Magnet (M) or Sham (S) knee brace. Both groups were equal with regards to age (M = 71.1 yrs, S = 66.8yrs), severity of disease, gender and all baseline measures. No statistically significant difference in patient-related quality-of-life and objective functional evaluation was found between groups at any time interval.
All study patients were recruited from a knee arthroplasty waiting list. At baseline and at two, six, twelve and twenty-four weeks each patient completed a WOMAC, MACTAR, KOOS quality-of-life questionnaire, SF–36 global health measure, and six minute walk and thirty second stair climb after which they were asked to determine their general fatigue, pain and shortness of breath on a 100mm VAS scale. Patients were instructed to wear their brace at least six hours per day and when active (walking, shopping, golfing).
Correspondence should be addressed to Cynthia Vezina, Communications Manager, COA, 4150-360 Ste. Catherine St. West, Westmount, QC H3Z 2Y5, Canada
(deceased)
