Immediate Effect of Acute Pressure Stimulation of Sciatic Nerve on Pain and Range of Motion in Osteoarthritis of Knee: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

The objective was to evaluate the immediate effect of acute pressure stimulation of sciatic nerve on pain and active and passive knee range of motion in subjects with osteoarthritis of knee. A total of 36 subjects were included and were randomized into 2 groups consisting of 18 subjects each. Group A received the placebo press and Group B received the sciatic nerve pressure stimulation for 2 minutes respectively. Pain during rest and four functional activities were recorded using the visual analogue scale and knee range of motion was recorded using the universal goniometer. Group B had reduction in pain in the affected knee during during walking, ascending and descending stairs and sit to stand and intra-group results were also significant for group B for rest, walking, ascending stairs, descending stairs, sit to stand post intervention. it was concluded that Acute pressure stimulation of the sciatic nerve is a safe and effective method abolish pain and improve the knee range of motion caused due to osteoarthritis of the knee