Efficacy of Glucosomine Iontophoresis in knee osteoarthritis

Abstract

Iontophoresis is a means of administering medicinal ions in the management of a variety of medical conditions. It is becoming an alternative to oral and injection delivery system of drugs because it is non-invasive, non traumatic and painless and it is specific in drug administration. The purpose of this study was to compare the relative efficacy of glucosamine iontophoresis with that of massage and a control group in managing osteoarthritic knee pain. Fifteen subjects with radiological evidence of knee osteoarthritis participated in this study. Participants were randomly assigned into three (3) groups; with five (5) each in iontophoresis, massage and the control groups but only 3 participants completed the treatment procedures in the control group. All treatment groups received baseline treatment of infrared radiation for 15mins followed by quadriceps strengthening exercise with a 10lbs weight for 10 repetitions. Treatments were carried out three times a week for four weeks. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). The result of the ANOVA showed that there was significant reduction in pain in the three (3) groups (F=21.97, p<0.05). However, the iontophoretic group showed a greater reduction in pain when compared to the other groups. This study concluded that glucosamine application via iontophoresis was more effective in pain reduction in knee osteoarthritic subjects than through transdermal massage.

Nigerian Medical Practitioner Vol. 54 (3-4) 2008: pp. 66-69