Effect of Transcutaneous Electrostimulation (TENS) on Pain and Physical Function in Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis

Background

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common arthritic condition, which is one of the leading causes of disability in adults. Currently, no treatment can stop or reverse the progressive joint degeneration caused by OA. Most clinical interventions aim to improve pain and physical function. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is widely used in the management of knee OA to relieve osteoarthritic pain and facilitate the performance of therapeutic activities in order to maintain or improve physical function. Although its use is widespread, the available evidence is of questionable quality. An adequately sized and well conducted randomized controlled trial (RCT) investigating the effectiveness and safety of TENS as treatment modality for knee OA is warranted to assist clinicians and policy makers to make decisions that are based on high-quality evidence, ultimately optimizing delivery of health-care in knee OA.

Objective

To determine TENS safety and effectiveness on pain and physical function compared to sham TENS in patients with knee OA.

Methods

Multi-center, randomized, double blind (patient and assessor), sham controlled clinical trial using a parallel 2 group design. Patients will be randomly allocated to receive TENS or sham TENS for 3 weeks. Informed consent of eligible patients will be obtained prior to randomization. Patients will be assigned on a 1:1 basis to the TENS or sham TENS group. Randomization will be centralized using randomization software and an electronic randomization form, generated by the trial coordinating centre (CTU Bern). Patients will be randomized once demographic data and selection criteria are completed by the recruiting physician in an electronic form. Randomization will be stratified according to treatment centre, TENS naivety and clinical severity.

Inclusion criteria

• Men and women of at least 18 years of age
• Clinical or radiological diagnosis of knee OA according to the criteria of the American College of Rheumatology
• Knee pain lasting for six months or longer
• Radiographic evidence of at least one osteophyte at the tibiofemoral joint (Kellgren-Lawrence grade ≥ 2) or one or more of the following signs and symptoms in the knee; restricted range of motion, pain in motion, crepitations, morning stiffness
• Written informed consent

Exclusion criteria

• Patients diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis or other musculoskeletal diseases affecting lower extremities
• Relevant effusion in the index knee
• Known current or remittent cancer
• Carry cardiac pacemaker or defibrillator in situ
• Knee surgery in previous 6 months
• Received treatment with arthrocentesis
• Intra-articular injection of steroids in previous 3 months
• Inability to understand instructions or to give informed consent