Inflammatory Biomarkers as Outcome Measures in Physiotherapy Interventions for Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review
Introduction: Knee Osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent musculoskeletal disorder characterised by joint pain and reduced mobility. As a non pharmacological treatment option, physiotherapy interventions have gained attention for their potential to alleviate symptoms and improve function in patients wit...
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| Main Authors: | , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
JCDR Research and Publications Private Limited
2025-04-01
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| Series: | Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://jcdr.net/articles/PDF/20841/75824_CE[Ra1]_F(KR)_QC(PS_OM)_PF1(AG_SS)_PFA(IS)_PN(IS).pdf |
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| Summary: | Introduction: Knee Osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent musculoskeletal disorder characterised by joint pain and reduced mobility. As a non pharmacological treatment option, physiotherapy interventions have gained attention for their potential to alleviate symptoms and improve function in patients with knee OA. Recent studies suggest that inflammatory biomarkers may play a significant role in assessing the effectiveness of these interventions.
Aim: To explore the relationship between inflammatory biomarkers and physiotherapy outcomes in patients with knee OA. Specifically, it investigates how changes in biomarkers such as C-Reactive Protein (CRP), Interleukin-6 (IL-6), and Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-α) correlate with clinical improvements following physiotherapy treatments.
Materials and Methods: In this systematic review, a comprehensive literature search was conducted across databases, including PubMed, Web of Science and the Cochrane Library, focusing on studies published between 2000 and 2022. The search targeted research examining the impact of physiotherapy interventions on inflammatory markers associated with knee OA. Specific attention was given to biomarkers such as CRP, IL-6, and TNF-α, alongside their relationship with treatment outcomes. The following keywords guided the search strategy: “OA of the knee,” “physical therapy,” “inflammatory markers,” “CRP,” “IL-6,” “TNF-α” and “treatment outcomes.” Studies were included if they reported biomarker levels (CRP, IL-6, TNF-α) before and after physiotherapy interventions and assessed the clinical outcomes of knee OA treatments. The search also focused on studies investigating the effects of specific physiotherapy modalities, such as exercise therapy or manual therapy, on inflammatory markers and knee OA symptoms. Exclusion criteria were applied to eliminate studies that focused solely on pharmacological treatments or that lacked sufficient reporting of pre- and postintervention biomarker levels. This search strategy aimed to gather robust evidence on the efficacy of physiotherapy in managing inflammatory processes and improving clinical outcomes for individuals with knee OA.
Results: The review identified several studies indicating that physiotherapy interventions can significantly reduce levels of inflammatory biomarkers in knee OA patients. Notable findings included reductions in CRP, IL-6 and TNF-α levels, which were associated with improved clinical outcomes such as pain relief and enhanced functional mobility. However, variability in study designs, intervention types and biomarker measurement techniques posed challenges in establishing definitive conclusions.
Conclusion: The evidence suggests that physiotherapy may effectively lower inflammatory biomarker levels and enhance clinical outcomes in individuals with knee OA. Nonetheless, the heterogeneity in methodologies underscores the necessity for standardised protocols in future research. Further investigations are essential to elucidate the precise mechanisms linking physiotherapy interventions to changes in inflammatory biomarkers and their implications for managing knee OA. |
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| ISSN: | 2249-782X 0973-709X |