Ozonioterapia associada a um protocolo de exercício físico na dor e funcionalidade de indivíduos com osteoartrite de joelho: ensaio clínico controlado e randomizado

Abstract

Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a degenerative joint disease that causes pain, impairment of function and quality of life and is associated with significant economic impact. Ozone therapy (OT) has been suggested in clinical practice as a promising adjuvant therapy to exercise, however evidence is limited for its recommendation. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of OT in combination with an exercise protocol on pain level in women with KOA. Forty volunteers were randomized into 2 groups: Exercise Group (EG): volunteers were submitted to a physical exercise protocol; Ozone Therapy Exercise Group (GEO): volunteers were submitted to a resistance exercise protocol associated with OT. The interventions were performed twice a week for a period of 6 weeks, totaling 12 sessions. The exercise program consisted of warm up, muscle strengthening, and stretching of the main muscle groups of the lower limbs. OT was applied to 5 acupuncture points of the affected knee, through the subcutaneous technique at a concentration of 20 g/ml and with a volume of 2 mL of ozone immediately after each exercise session. For evaluation and reevaluation, the numerical pain scale (NDS) was applied; functionality and quality of life questionnaires (Western Ontario and MacMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index [WOMAC]); functionality (Lequesne); physical performance tests (Timed Up and Go [TUG], Short Physical Performance Battery [SPPB]), lower limb strength and endurance (30-second sit and stand test). The results show that the GE and GEO groups presented lower scores for the level of pain, increased the score of quality of life, functionality, physical performance, strength and resistance compared to the initial values. However, GEO had a lower score for the level of pain, and a higher score for quality of life and functionality when compared to GE. Thus, it can be suggested that OT in association with physical exercise was an effective method in pain control and in the functional recovery and quality of life of patients with KOA.