Modalidades e eficácia dos recursos fisioterapêuticos no tratamento da osteoartrite (OA) de joelho: uma revisão narrativa

Abstract

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic degenerative disease, located in the joints, affecting one-third of adults, especially the elderly population. Among the modalities of treatment of this disease, we highlight the conservative treatment through physiotherapeutic resources such as kinesiotherapy and electro thermotherapy, to reduce the symptoms of patients. The objective of this study was to make an analysis considering a treatment for OA with the intention of improving the pain, function and quality of life of patients with knee osteoarthritis. A narrative review was carried out with studies produced in the last 10 years with the objective of analyzing recent studies in the following databases: Medline, Lilacs, using as descriptors: osteoarthritis and knee; Therapeutic resources and knee; Kinesiotherapy and knee; Rehabilitation and knee and their correspondents in English Language. We selected seven clinical trials with clinical approaches that included the following treatments: Strengthening programs; Isometric and isotonic exercises; Balance exercises; Exercise on the exercise bike and treadmills; Hiking; Hydrotherapy; Electro thermotherapy (Short Waves, Ultrasound); Cryotherapy and preventive programs to guide patients in relation to knee OA. The physiotherapeutic intervention programs brought benefits to patients with knee OA, improving pain, functionality and improvement in quality of life. The most relevant modalities of kinesiotherapy were strengthening and stretching. The minimum treatment for 8 weeks seems to be advisable and already presents good results and the regimen of maintenance of the gains still needs to be studied. Regarding electrotherapeutic resources, continuous ultrasound and ice presented better results in pain and functional indexes when compared to kinesiotherapy alone. Physiotherapy remains a very effective resource in the approach to OA treatment, considering its perspective of offering effective therapeutic resources collaborating in different forms of treatment.