Phonophoresis of semisolid formulation of Zingiber officinale Roscoe hydroalcoholic extract improves quality of life in patients with moderate knee osteoarthritis: A randomized clinical trial

Abstract Background People afflicted with knee osteoarthritis often complain of pain aggravation during routine daily activities. Phonophoresis is a safe method to deliver anti-inflammatory agents to target tissues using ultrasonography. The anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of ginger have been demonstrated previously; however, its oral consumption revealed some adverse effects. Hypothesis/purpose The objective of this study was to compare the phonophoresis of ginger extract with routine ultrasonography in patients with moderate knee osteoarthritis. Study design Single-blind randomized clinical trial Method Forty patients with moderate knee osteoarthritis were assigned to intervention and control groups randomly. Both groups received transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, stretching and strengthening exercises. The intervention group received phonophoresis of ginger while the control group received routine ultrasonography. The Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, the numeric rating scale, and timed up and go test were evaluated before and immediately after the interventions. The numerical rating scale had a three-month follow-up. Results The within-group comparison showed statistically significant improvement in all outcome measures in both groups except for the timed up and go test in the control group. The intervention group exhibited statistically greater improvements in all outcome measures compared to the control group. Conclusion Phonophoresis of ginger extract could relieve pain and improve function in comparison to routine ultrasound in patients with moderate knee osteoarthritis.