Effects of glucosamine sulfate and exercise therapy on serum leptin levels in patients with knee osteoarthritis: preliminary results of randomized controlled clinical trial.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a slow, chronic disease characterized by the focal deterioration and abrasion of articular cartilage. Leptin may play an important role in the pathophysiology of OA. Exercise and glucosamine sulfate therapy is one of the most commonly used in patients with knee OA.

Therapeutic ultrasound versus sham ultrasound for the management of patients with knee osteoarthritis: a randomized double-blind controlled clinical study.

Aim: The aim of this trial was to evaluate the short-term effectiveness of ultrasound (US) therapy on pain, physical function, ambulation activity, disability and psychological status in patients with knee OA.

Methods: Forty-two inpatients with bilateral knee OA were randomized by an independent researcher not involved in the data assessment, to receive either therapeutic continuous US (group 1) or sham US (group 2). A 1-MHz US head was used, set to an intensity of 1 W/cm(2) for 10 min.