|
| Title:
|
A Massage Therapy Intervention for Osteoarthritis of the Knee |
| Status:
|
Completed |
| Topic:
|
CORP** Pilot Study |
| Funding Source:
|
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention |
| Funding Period:
|
2/03 6/06 |
| Study Design:
|
Randomized, Controlled Clinical Trial |
| Purpose:
|
To determine the effectiveness of massage therapy in improving pain and joint mobility for patients with osteoarthritis of the knee. |
| Further Study Details:
|
The study was conducted by Dr. Adam Perlman at the Siegler Center for Integrative Medicine at St. Barnabus Medical Center, Livingston, NJ. Arthritis is a highly prevalent disease, and although massage therapy has been proven effective in other forms of rheumatism, no study has specifically evaluated the effectiveness of massage therapy for osteoarthritis. Approximately 60 men and women with a diagnosis of OA of the knee were assigned to one of two groups. The massage group received 8 weeks of massage, while the control group was “wait-listed” during which time they received their usual care. At the completion of the 8-week massage intervention, the control group also received the massage intervention. Outcomes of interest include pain and mobility measures assessed before, during, and after the intervention. |
| Findings:
|
The group which received massage therapy demonstrated significant improvements in the WOMAC global scores, pain, stiffness, and physical function domains, and in the visual analog scale of pain assessment, range of motion in degrees, and time to walk 50 ft (15 m). This study demonstrated massage therapy to be efficacious in the treatment of OA of the knee. These findings are particularly relevant since pharmacological treatments often have undesirable side effects. Further study of cost effectiveness and duration of treatment effect is warranted. |
| Eligibility:
|
Adult men and women with diagnosis of osteoarthritis of the knee. |