Improved WOMAC Score Following Treatment with Nanoparticle Phyllanthus Amarus Phonophoresis Gel for Knee Osteoarthritis

Objective: The aim of this study is to compare the effects of phonophoresis of nanoparticle Phyllanthus amarus phonophoresis gel (PP) and ultrasound therapy (US) in patients with osteoarthritis of knee (OA).

Method: OA knee patients (n=40) who had symptomatic knee pain were randomly allocated into 2 groups. There are US group (ultrasound group) and PP group (Phyllanthus amarus gel phonopheresis group)(20 in each group) were treated with an ultrasound program by using continuous mode, 1.0 W/cm², 10 minutes per session, once daily and10 sessions. The nanoparticle Phyllanthus amarus gel was used in the PP group, while the US group was use the nondrug coupling gel. Pain and function assessment were measured by the visual analog scale (VAS) and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities O-osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), respectively.Moreover, the range of motion was used to measureby goniometers. Three primary outcomes were investigated before and after treatment 10 sessions.

Results: The VAS and total WOMAC scores were significantly increasedpost-treatment in both groups (P < 0.001). The PP group showed more significant improve VAS and total WOMAC scores than the US group (P<.001). However, ROM was not significant in both groups to compare to baseline.

Conclusion: The nanoparticle Phyllanthus amarus phonophoresis gelwas significantly reduced pain and improve knee functioning. Itis suggested as a new, effective method for treatment OA knee for relieving pain and improving function.