Acute Effect of Inferential Therapy (IFT) and Short Wave Diathermy (SWD) on Balance in Subjects With Knee Pain

Background: The Y balance test is a dynamic test that requires strength, flexibility, and proprioception. It is a measure of dynamic balance that provides a significant challenge to athletes and physically active individuals. The test can be used to assess physical performance, but can also be used to screen deficits in dynamic postural control due to musculoskeletal injuries (e.g. chronic ankle instability), to identify athletes at greater risk for lower extremity injury, as well as during the rehabilitation of orthopedic injuries in healthy active adults

Objective: To know the effect of 4 sessions of treatment by interferential therapy (IFT) 15-20 minutes, and SWD 15 min on the balance and dynamic postural component using Y balance test

Methods: Subjects will be randomized into IFT and laser group (n=20 each). After the first session, the balance component will be measured pre-post-intervention.

Outcome assessment: Y Balance tests score.

Objective: To know the effect of 4 sessions of treatment by interferential therapy, and SWD on the balance and dynamic postural component using Y balance test

Methods:

Study design: Random sampling through lottery methods Blinding: Participants were not aware of the group they were in Allocation concealment: Not done Inclusion criteria: Physical assessment of the knee joint participants complains of pain, osteoarthritis, Patellofemoral knee pain syndrome, pain due to altered biomechanics of knee joints (structural and functional) Exclusion criteria: History of previous surgeries, participants on steroids, Vitamin deficiencies, osteoporosis, open wounds, recurrent ACL repair, Affliction due to metastasis or post-cancer patients

Treatment specifications:

Duration of intervention: Treatment will continue for 4 sessions/week, with each session lasting 15-20 minutes.

Intervention:

Experimental group-1: Interferential therapy will be given to the patients with knee pain for 4 sessions for 15-20 minutes and the examination of the balance will be done with Y balance tests Pre-Post. 4 electrodes methods placed diagonally to each other creating a beat frequency at the center. Intensity to the percieved tolerable limits. The 'medium frequency' currents (medium frequency in electromedical terms is usually considered to be 1KHz-100KHz). These medium frequency currents, passed through the tissues simultaneously, where they are set up so that their paths cross \& they literally interfere with each other. This interaction gives rise to an interference current (or beat frequency) which has the characteristics of low-frequency stimulation

Experimental group-2: SWD will be given to the patients with knee pain for 4 sessions for 10-15 minutes with Continuous Mode and intensity: comfortable warmth, timing 15 mins and examination of the balance will be done with Y balance tests Pre-Post.

Technical specification : Technical specification of Generator frequency: 27.12 MHz, ± 0.6% Output power: continuous High-Frequency max. 400 W, pulsed High-Frequency max. 1000 W (peak) Pulse duration: ca. 400 µs Pulse repetition frequency: 15-200 Hz adjustable in 10 steps Mains supply: 230-240 V / 50 Hz Mains voltage variation: approx. ± 10% Current consumption: approx. 6 Ampere (at 230 V) Dimensions (width, without arms): 56x43x92.5 cm Length electrode arms: 93 cm Weight: ca. 80 kg.

Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Non-specific Knee pain,
2. osteoarthritis,
3. chronic ACL and meniscus injury,
4. patellofemoral knee pain

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Recent major surgeries within 6 months,
2. Limb Length discrepancies, amputation,
3. any musculoskeletal or neurological limitation preventing evaluation,
4. vitamin deficiency (B12),
5. neuropathy,
6. cancer-related patients,
7. rheumatoid arthritis,
8. Osteoporosis