Combination of Static Bike, TENS, and Unloader Knee Brace in Alleviating Knee Pain, Delaying Arthroplasty, and Improving Activities of Daily Living in Knee Osteoarthritis Patients
Johan
ABSTRACT
Background: Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a leading cause of disability worldwide. Conservative multimodal therapy combining mechanical unloading, neuromodulation, and muscle strengthening may alleviate pain and delay arthroplasty.
Objective: To evaluate the synergistic effects of static bicycle exercise, TENS, and unloader knee brace use in alleviating knee pain, improving function, and delaying arthroplasty among patients with moderate-to-severe knee OA.
Methods: A randomized controlled trial with 120 patients (Kellgren–Lawrence grade II–III) assigned to four groups: standard care, static bike, TENS + brace, and combined therapy. Pain (VAS), function (WOMAC), and mobility (TUG) were measured at 3, 6, and 12 months.
Results: The combined intervention group showed the greatest reduction in pain and functional improvement (ΔVAS −4.1 ± 1.2; ΔWOMAC −32.8 ± 8.6; ΔTUG −2.9 ± 0.8 s; p < 0.001). Only 6.7% required arthroplasty at one year versus 25% in controls.
Conclusion: Combining static cycling, TENS, and unloader bracing significantly improves pain and function and delays knee arthroplasty.
