Effects of therapeutic exercise on the motor function of adults with Down syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Therapeutic exercise exerts positive effects by mitigating or reducing the motor or cognitive changes that people with Down syndrome undergo throughout their life. There are no updated systematic reviews that integrate the evidence available in a way that facilitates decision-making for physical rehabilitation teams. This study therefore aimed to consolidate the information available and compare the effects of different types of physical exercise on the motor function of adults with DS. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials and quasi-experimental studies. The literature search was performed between January 2023 and February 2023 using the PubMed, SCIELO, Epistemonikos, and Lilacs databases. Studies were selected according to pre-determined inclusion and exclusion criteria. The risk-of-bias assessment was performed using the risk-of-bias rating tool for randomized clinical trial (RoB) and the risk of bias of non-randomized comparative studies was assessed using the risk of bias in non-randomized studies of interventions (ROBINS-I) tool. Risk-of-bias assessment and meta-analyses were performed using the RevMan software package. Sixteen studies met the eligibility criteria for the qualitative synthesis and 4 were included in the meta-analyses. Combined exercise significantly increased muscle strength both in the upper limbs (SMD = 0.74 [95% CI 0.25-1.22]) and lower limbs (SMD = 0.56[95% CI 0.08-1.04]). Aerobic exercise improved spatiotemporal gait parameters. Aerobic exercise showed significant improvements in dynamic balance while combined exercise significantly increased dynamic and static balance. The certainty of the evidence was low to moderate for all outcomes. There was low and moderate certainty of evidence for the outcomes proposed in this review. However, therapeutic exercise could be effective in improving muscle strength and gait functionality.

Neuromuscular exercise in children with Down Syndrome: a systematic review.

The effects and the prescription parameters of therapeutic exercise are not clear. For this reason, is needed to determine the effect of neuromuscular exercise on balance, muscle strength and flexibility specifying the parameters and characteristics of effective interventions in children between 6 and 12 years and adolescent between 13 and 18 years with Down Syndrome. The present study is a systematic review of effectiveness outcomes balance, muscle strength and flexibility in this population. The databases of PubMed, PEDro, EMBASE, SCIELO, Lilacs, Cochrane library were searched from May to December 2021. We recruited randomized controlled trials (RCTs) which met the inclusion criteria in our study. Ten studies were included. The interventions included mechanotherapy, vibration, and use of different unstable surfaces. The exercise frequency ranged from 3 to 5 days a week, and the duration of each session was between six and 15 min. The frequency was between two and three times a week for 6 and 12 weeks and the intensity were between 60 and 80% of maximal voluntary contraction. Neuromuscular exercise in different modes of application was associated with increases in chest and lower limb muscle strength mean 8.51, CI [2.35-14.67] kg and (21.54 [1.64, 41.43]) kg. Balance also improved when the mode of application was isokinetic training and core stability exercises (- 0.20 [- 0.29, - 0.12]) evaluated with stability index. Neuromuscular exercise appears to be effective for the improvement of both lower limb and chest muscle strength and balance in children over 8 years. No evidence was found in children under 8 years.

Therapeutic exercise to improve motor function among children with Down Syndrome aged 0 to 3 years: a systematic literature review and meta­analysis.

The effects and the prescription parameters of therapeutic exercise are not clear. For this reason, is needed to determine the effect of therapeutic exercises on the motor function of children with Down Syndrome (DS) aged 0 to 3 years. The present study is systematic review and meta-analysis of effectiveness outcomes in this population: gait, balance, motor development, fine motor skills, and executive functions. The databases of PubMed, PEDro, EMBASE, SCIELO, Lilacs, Cochrane library were searched from January to December 2019. We recruited Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) which met the inclusion criteria in our study. Six studies and 151 participants were included. Two types of therapeutic exercises, aerobic and neuromuscular, were identified. Both types of exercise were effective in improving outcomes. There were no differences between the modes of application of the exercise. No differences were identified between the treadmill and the physiotherapy plan for the reduction of the time to reach independent walking, Mean Difference (MD) 46.79, 95% Confidence Interval (IC) (- 32.60, 126.19), nor for the increase in walking speed MD 0.10 IC (- 0.02, 0.21) m/s. This study suggests that aerobic exercise therapy has a potentially effective role to promote the gait and motor development of children with DS aged 0 to 3 years when it is applied using a treadmill with a frequency of 5 days, a duration of 6-8 min, and an intensity of between 0.2 and 0.5 m/s. Studies with less heterogeneity and larger sample sizes are required.

Evaluación de la calidad de vida en personas con discapacidad intelectual ¿Un asunto ético o metodológico? / Quality of life assessment in people with intellectual disability An ethical or methodological issue?

Resumen La calidad de vida relacionada con la salud se ha convertido en la actualidad en uno de los desenlaces que se proponen para evaluar la efectividad de intervenciones terapéuticas, sobre todo en condiciones que no tienen cura médica y en las cuales se espera que las intervenciones en salud impacten la forma en la que viven las personas. En el caso de las personas con discapacidad intelectual hay controversia no sólo por la evaluación de la calidad de vida como desenlace, sino también por las consideraciones éticas y metodológicas que implica su uso. Este ensayo aborda los temas éticos y metodológicos de la inclusión de la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud como desenlace clínico en personas con discapacidad intelectual. (Acta Med Colomb 2022; 47. DOI:https://doi.org/10.36104/amc.2022.2019).

Abstract Health-related quality of life is one of the outcomes proposed today for assessing the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions, especially in conditions with no medical cure and in which it is expected that the healthcare interventions will have an impact on the way people live. In the case of people with intellectual disability, there is controversy not only about the assessment of quality of life as an outcome, but also over the ethical and methodological considerations involved in its use. This paper addresses the ethical and methodological issues of including health-related quality of life as a clinical outcome in people with intellectual disability. (Acta Med Colomb 2022; 47. DOI:https://doi.org/10.36104/amc.2022.2019).

Exploración del constructo calidad de vida relacionado con la salud en niños, niñas y adolescentes con síndrome de Down / Exploration of the health-related quality of life construct in children and adolescents with Down syndrome

El constructo de calidad de vida relacionada con la salud (CVRS) en niños, niñas y adolescentes con síndrome de Down no ha sido definido, así como tampoco existen instrumentos para evaluarlo. De esta forma, el objetivo del presente estudio es explorar este constructo en niños, niñas, adolescentes con síndrome de Down, y en sus padres y cuidadores, para establecer las bases conceptuales de un instrumento de evaluación. Se realizó una revisión de información y evidencia relacionada con calidad de vida en páginas web de organizacio- nes de todo el mundo y en bases de datos científicas, con lo cual se logró una aproximación al constructo de CVRS. Se realizaron siete entrevistas y dos grupos focales con niños, niñas y adolescentes con síndrome de Down y cuatro entrevistas y tres grupos focales con padres y cuidadores. Con base en la metodología desarrollada, emergieron las categorías de capacidad física, funcional, psicológica y social.

The construct of health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in children and adolescents with Down syndrome has not been defined, nor are there any instruments to assess it. Thus, the aim of the present study is to explore this construct in children and adolescents with Down syndrome, and in their parents and caregivers, in order to establish the conceptual basis for an assessment instrument. A review of information and evidence related to quality of life was carried out in web pages of organizations from all over the world and in scientific databases, with which an approximation to the HRQoL construct was achieved. Seven interviews and two focus groups were conducted with children and adolescents with Down syndrome and four interviews and three focus groups with parents and caregivers. Based on the methodology developed, the categories of physical, functional, psychological and social capacity emerged.

Programa de educación intrahospitalaria en enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica: una estrategia para el automanejo / Hospital-Based Educational Program for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Strategy for Self-Management / Programa de educação intra-hospitalar em doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica: uma estratégia para o autocuidado

Resumen Introducción: la enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica es progresiva, afecta la condición física y la calidad de vida. La educación de los pacientes que la padecen ha mostrado resultados positivos, al mejorar la adherencia al tratamiento, al favorecer el automanejo y al disminuir el número de exacer baciones, al igual que los costos de hospitalización. El objetivo de este estudio fue establecer el efecto de un programa de educación intrahospitalaria para pacientes con enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica, en cuanto al grado de conocimiento de esta. Materiales y métodos: estudio cuasiexperimental con mediciones antes y después. Se utilizó el Cuestionario de Necesidad de Información Pulmonar (LINQ) para medir el conocimiento de la enfermedad antes del programa educativo y después de este, desarro llado en tres sesiones durante la hospitalización. Tres meses después, se indagó sobre la utilización de servicios de salud y la percepción del estado de salud. Resultados: participaron un total de 33 pacientes -19 mujeres (58 %) y 14 hombres (42 %)-, cuya edad promedio fue de 73.7 (±7.6); el 52 % con educación básica y el 88.8 % con un nivel socioeconómico bajo. En LiNQ-pre, el promedio fue de 14.55 (±4.25), y en el LINQ posintervención educativa, de 4.94 (±1.7). El puntaje total del Cuestionario Respiratorio Saint George fue 77.7, con mayor compromiso del dominio de limitación de la actividad, en 86.37. En el seguimiento a los tres meses, 19 pacientes (79 %) refirieron sentirse bien. Conclusión: a través de la intervención educativa, los pacientes mejoraron de manera estadísticamente significativa su conocimiento sobre la enfermedad. Un programa de educación intrahospitalario beneficia la atención del paciente y optimiza los recursos en salud.

Abstract Introduction: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a progressive disease that compromises the physical condition and quality of life. Education has resulted in a positive outcome in terms of improving the adherence to treatment, encouraging self-management, and reducing the number of exacerbations as well as the hospitalization expenditure. The aim of the present study was to establish the effect of a hospital-based education program for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease based on the level of knowledge of the disease. Materials and Methods: We performed a quasi-experimental before and after study. The Lung Information Need Questionnaire (LINQ) was employed to measure the level of knowledge of the disease, before and after the educational program was developed, in three sessions during the hospitalization. After three months, we investigated the use of health services and the per ception of the health status. Results: A total of 33 patients participated, which included 19 women (58%), 14 men (42%). The average age was 73.7 ± 7.6 years; 52% of participants had basic education; and 88.8% belonged to the low socioeconomic level. In LiNQ-pre, the average score was 14.55 ± 4.25, whereas LINQ post educational intervention average was 4.94 ± 1.7. The total score of the Saint George's Respiratory Questionnaire was 77.7 with a greater commitment of the activity limitation domain at 86.37. At three months follow-up, 19 patients (79%) reported improvement in health. Conclusions: Through educational intervention, patients significantly improved their knowledge of the disease. Therefore, it can be con cluded that a hospital-based education program benefits patient care and optimizes the health resources.

Resumo Introdução: a doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica é uma doença progressiva que compromete a condi ção física e a qualidade de vida. A educação tem mostrado resultados positivos na melhoria da adesão ao tratamento, favorecer o autocuidado e reduzir o número de exacerbações e os custos de hospitalização. O objetivo deste estudo foi estabelecer o efeito de um programa de educação intra-hospitalar para pacientes com doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica, no nível de conhecimento da doença. Materiais e métodos: estudo quase experimental com avaliações prévias e posteriores ao programa. O questionário de necessidade de informação pulmonar (LINQ) foi utilizado para mensurar o nível de conhecimento da doença antes e depois do programa educativo, desenvolvido em três sessões no decorrer da hospitalização. Três meses depois, questionou-se sobre a utilização de serviços de saúde e a percepção do estado de saúde. Resultados: parti ciparam 33 pacientes: sendo 19 mulheres (58%), 14 homens (42%), com média de idade de 73,7 (±7,6); 52% com ensino fundamental e 88,8% com baixo nível socioeconômico. No LiNQ-pré a média foi de 14,55 (±4,25), no LINQ pós-intervenção educacional a média foi de 4,94 (±1,7). O escore total do Questionário Respiratório do Hospital Saint George foi de 77,7 com um maior comprometimento do domínio de limitação de ativi dades em 86,37. Após os três meses, 19 pacientes (79%) relataram sentir-se bem. Conclusão: por meio de intervenção educativa, os pacientes aprimoraram seus conhecimentos sobre a doença de forma estatisti camente significativa. Um programa de educação intra-hospitalar beneficia o atendimento ao paciente e otimiza os recursos de saúde.

Reproducibility and agreement between three positions for handgrip assessment.

The protocol established for taking hand grip dynamometry measurements determines that the patient must be in a sitting position. This protocol cannot be applied due to the patient's conditions in some cases, such as abdominal surgery, musculoskeletal spine or hip injuries. The purpose was to determine the reproducibility and level of agreement between the Handgrip dynamometry in supine position with the elbow flexed or extended, and the one measured in the sitting position, the design was a descriptive cross-sectional study. The population were young apparently healthy between 18 and 30 years of age (N = 201). Handgrip measurement was performed on both upper limbs in a sitting position with a flexed elbow, a supine position with a flexed elbow, and supine position with the elbow extended. Reproducibility was nearly perfect in all positions (ICC 0.95-0.97). Regarding the level of agreement for the comparison between sitting and supine positions with a flexed elbow, an average difference of - 0.406. For supine position with an extended elbow and supine position with a flexed elbow, the average difference was - 1.479. Considering the results, clinicians or researchers can choose any of the positions evaluated herein and obtain reliable results as long as the standardization process is followed.

Confiabilidad de un cuestionario específico para evaluar calidad de vida en personas con osteoartritis / Reliability of a specific questionnaire to evaluate quality of life in people with osteoarthritis

Objetivo: El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar la confiabilidad del cuestionario The Osteoarthritis Knee and Hip Quality of Life en población adulta mayor colombiana con osteoartritis de rodilla y cadera. Métodos: El enfoque metodológico de este estudio es cuantitativo, con un diseño de corte transversal. Los participantes diligenciaron el cuestionario con un lapso entre mediciones entre 5 a 8 días. Las propiedades psicométricas de reproducibilidad, consistencia interna y nivel de acuerdo del cuestionario se determinaron a través del coeficiente de correlación intraclase, el coeficiente alfa de Cronbach y el análisis gráfico de Bland y Altman, respectivamente. Resultados: Sesenta y dos adultos mayores con osteoartritis de rodilla y cadera, con edad entre los 57 y 82 años respondieron el cuestionario. Se encontró una reproducibilidad casi perfecta (CCI=0,89) para el dominio de actividad física; y sustancial (CCI=0,62-0,77) para los dominios de dolor, salud mental y actividades. También se obtuvo una consistencia interna muy satisfactoria en los dominios de salud mental y actividad física (alfa=0,9-0,94), mientras que la de dolor fue adecuada (alfa=0,89). En cuanto a lo encontrado con el nivel de acuerdo, el promedio de las diferencias de los dominios de actividad física, dolor y salud mental fue de –7, –8 y –6,9 puntos, respectivamente. Discusión y conclusiones: El cuestionario The Osteoarthritis Knee and Hip Quality of Life mostró buenas propiedades psicométricas en los dominios de actividad física, dolor y salud mental, principalmente. Este cuestionario puede ser utilizado en el ámbito clínico, pero requiere ajustes para ser utilizado en investigación.(AU)

Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the reliability of The Osteoarthritis Knee and Hip Quality of Life questionnaire in a Columbian older adult population with knee and hip osteoarthritis. Methods: The methodological approach of this study was quantitative, with a cross-sectional design. Respondents completed the questionnaire with a period of 5 to 8 days between measurements. The psychometric properties of reproducibility, internal consistency and level of agreement of the questionnaire were determined using the intraclass correlation coefficient, Cronbach's alpha coefficient and Bland-Altman graphical analysis, respectively. Results: Sixty-two older adults with osteoarthritis of the knee and hip aged between 57 and 82 responded to the questionnaire. Almost perfect reproducibility (CCI=.89) was found for the domain of physical activity, and substantial reproducibility (CCI=.62-.77) for the domains of pain, mental health and activities. A very satisfactory internal consistency was also obtained for the domains of mental health and physical activity (alpha=.90-.94), while that for pain was adequate (alpha=.89). As soon as the level of agreement was established, the mean of the differences in the domains of physical activity, main and mental health was –7.0, –8.0 and –6.9 points, respectively. Discussion and conclusions: The Osteoarthritis Knee and Hip Quality of Life questionnaire showed good psychometric properties principally in the domains of physical activity, pain and mental health. This questionnaire can be used in the clinical setting, but requires adjustment to be used in research.(AU)

Reliability of a specific questionnaire to evaluate quality of life in people with osteoarthritis. / Confiabilidad de un cuestionario específico para evaluar calidad de vida en personas con osteoartritis.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine the reliability of The Osteoarthritis Knee and Hip Quality of Life questionnaire in a Columbian older adult population with knee and hip osteoarthritis. METHODS: The methodological approach of this study was quantitative, with a cross-sectional design. Respondents completed the questionnaire with a period of 5 to 8 days between measurements. The psychometric properties of reproducibility, internal consistency and level of agreement of the questionnaire were determined using the intraclass correlation coefficient, Cronbach's alpha coefficient and Bland-Altman graphical analysis, respectively. RESULTS: Sixty-two older adults with osteoarthritis of the knee and hip aged between 57 and 82 responded to the questionnaire. Almost perfect reproducibility (CCI=.89) was found for the domain of physical activity, and substantial reproducibility (CCI=.62-.77) for the domains of pain, mental health and activities. A very satisfactory internal consistency was also obtained for the domains of mental health and physical activity (alpha=.90-.94), while that for pain was adequate (alpha=.89). As soon as the level of agreement was established, the mean of the differences in the domains of physical activity, main and mental health was -7.0, -8.0 and -6.9 points, respectively. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: The Osteoarthritis Knee and Hip Quality of Life questionnaire showed good psychometric properties principally in the domains of physical activity, pain and mental health. This questionnaire can be used in the clinical setting, but requires adjustment to be used in research.

Validity and reproducibility of a tool for assessing clinical competencies in physical therapy students.

BACKGROUND: The evaluation of competencies in the clinical field is essential for health professionals, as it allows the acquisition of these competencies to be tracked. The objective of this study was to create and evaluate the validity and reliability of a tool for measuring clinical competencies in physical therapy (PT) students to assess the quality of their performance in a professional context. METHODS: A descriptive study was designed. The Measurement Tool for Clinical Competencies in PT (MTCCP) was developed based on the evaluation of 39 experts: 15 clinicians and 24 instructors. The content validity was evaluated using the Content Validity Index (CVI). Three professors were invited to apply the tool to 10 students. Cronbach's alpha, exploratory factor analysis, and the intraclass correlation coefficient were used to determine the reliability and validity of the scale. RESULTS: The CVI was positive-higher than 0.8. Principal component analysis confirmed the construct validity of the tool for two main factors: clinical reasoning (first factor) and professional behavior (second factor). With regard to reliability, the MTCCP achieved an internal congruence of 0.982. The inter-evaluator reproducibility for clinical reasoning, professional behavior, and the total MTCCP score was almost perfect; the ICCs were 0.984, 0.930, and 0.983, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The MTCCP is a valid and reliable instrument for assessing the performance of PT students in hospital settings and can be used to determine what skills students feel less confident using and what additional training/learning opportunities could be provided. Further research is needed to determine whether the MTCCP has similar validity and reproducibility in other Spanish-speaking national and international PT programs.

Correction to: Thoracic index in adults with asthma: a study of validity and reliability.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1186/s12998-018-0187-x.].

Thoracic index in adults with asthma: a study of validity and reliability.

Background: The Thoracic Index (TI) is a useful tool for evaluating costal mobility as a component of respiritory mechanics in adults with asthma. In a review of the literature, however, few studies were found that reported the psychometrics of this test. The goal of this study is to evaluate the reproducibility and validity of the TI in adults with asthma. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate the diagnostic tests. Measurements were done randomly by two independent evaluators. The variables measured included thoracic mobility (TI and photogrammetric analysis), sociodemographic and anthropometric variables, and other variables related to the disease. TI reliability included the determination of the intra- and inter-evaluator agreement and reproducibility using the Bland and Altman limits of agreement method and the Interclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC). The convergent validity was established using Pearson's correlation coefficient. The level of significance was p < 0.05. Results: Twenty-six adults with stable asthma participated in this study. The limits of the intra- and inter-evaluator agreement were found to be acceptable and good, respectively, with an average of differences close to zero in both cases. The intra-evaluator reproducibility was between poor and acceptable (TI between 0.57 and 0.93), while the inter-evaluator reproducibility was between acceptable and good (TI between 0.62 and 0.86). The convergent validity between the TI and photogrammetric analysis was between moderate and high (r between 0.55 and 0.73). Conclusions: The TI is a reliable and valid measurement that can be used to evaluate costal mobility in adults with asthma. In a clinical setting, it can contribute to a nonbiased measurement, and in a research environment, it is useful for documenting the results of interventions, reducing the probability that the results will be affected by any variability in measurement.

Efecto de las intervenciones fisioterapéuticas en personas con fractura distal de radio / Effect of physiotherapy in people with distal radius fractures: A systematic review

Resumen Introducción. La fractura distal de radio (FDR) es muy frecuente y afecta a todos los grupos poblacionales. Objetivo. Realizar una revisión sistemática de la mejor evidencia disponible para determinar el efecto de las intervenciones fisioterapéuticas sobre el dolor, el rango de movimiento, la fuerza muscular y la funcionalidad en personas con fractura distal de radio. Materiales y métodos. Se realizó una búsqueda sistemática de ensayos clínicos controlados en las bases de datos ScienceDirect, PubMed, Medline y Embase. Resultados. Se encontraron 14 estudios que cumplieron los criterios de selección. Conclusión. La evidencia sugiere que intervenciones terapéuticas supervisadas que incluyan modalidades físicas y del ejercicio con una duración entre 6 y 9 semanas, con un promedio de 18 sesiones y realizadas tres veces a la semana mejoran de forma significativa las variables estudiadas en pacientes con FDR. Es necesario que futuros estudios establezcan la relación dosis-respuesta de estas intervenciones.

Abstract Introduction: Distal radius fracture (DRF) is very common and affects all age groups. Objective: To conduct a systematic review of the best available evidence to determine the effect of physiotherapeutic interventions on pain, range of motion, muscle strength and function in people with distal radius fracture. Materials and methods: A systematic search of controlled clinical trials was carried out in the ScienceDirect, PubMed, Medline, lilacs and EMBASE databases. Results: 14 studies met the selection criteria. Conclusion: Evidence suggests that supervised therapeutic interventions that include physical and exercise modalities lasting between 6 and 9 weeks, with an average of18 sessions and three times a week, significantly improve the variables studied in patients with DRF. Future studies should establish the dose-response correlation of these interventions.

Effects of pulsed therapeutic ultrasound on the treatment of people with knee osteoarthritis.

[Purpose] The aim was to evaluate the effect of therapeutic ultrasound on the pain, joint mobility, muscle strength, physical function, and quality of life of people with knee OA. [Subjects and Methods] One-site, one-arm, before-after study that included people with Grade II or III tibiofemoral osteoarthritis. Ten therapeutic ultrasound sessions (duty cycle=20%, ERA=10 cm2, BNR=6:1, SATP=2.2 W/cm2, SATA=0.44 W/cm2, frequency=1 MHz, time=4 minutes) were applied. Assessments of primary outcome variables: pain intensity and function, and secondary variables: joint mobility, muscle strength and quality of life, were performed at onset and end of therapy; an additional intermediate evaluation was included for the primary variables. [Results] Means of repeated measurements of pain intensity (pain at rest, pain on palpation and pain after functional activities) and function showed significant differences. There was a significant reduction in pain intensity at the end of functional activities as well as a significant increase in function and in quadriceps muscle strength. [Conclusion] Therapeutic ultrasound applied in accordance with the parameters used, could be recommended during the treatment of individuals with knee osteoarthritis, because it significantly decreased the intensity of pain after the 5th session, and this reduction was maintained until the end of the intervention.

Uso del ultrasonido terapéutico pulsado en el tratamiento de personas con osteoartritis de rodilla / Pulsed therapeutic ultrasound in the treatment of persons with knee osteoarthritis

La osteoartritis de rodilla es una patología crónica y degenerativa caracterizada por la destrucción del cartílago articular, para la cual en la actualidad no existen intervenciones terapéuticas que detengan el deterioro. Una de las modalidades utilizadas en fisioterapia para el tratamiento de la osteoartritis es el ultrasonido terapéutico, sin embargo los resultados reportados en la literatura sobre el efecto del ultrasonido terapéutico en pacientes con osteoartritis de rodilla son contradictorios y limitan la toma de decisiones en el ámbito clínico. En este sentido, en esta revisión se realizó el análisis crítico de la evidencia científica que evalúa el efecto del ultrasonido en pacientes con OA de rodilla. Fue realizado un acercamiento a los parámetros adecuados para alcanzar efectos terapéuticos, además se analizaron los posibles mecanismos por los cuales el ultrasonido terapéutico puede favorecer dichos efectos.

Knee osteoarthritis is a chronic, degenerative disease without therapeutic interventions toward prevent the articular cartilage deterioration, thus pain and functionality limitation are the main goals of the physical therapy treatment. The therapeutic ultrasound is a common physical modality used for the treatment of osteoarthritis, however, the results reported in the literature about the therapeutic effect of this physical modality in patients with knee osteoarthritis are contradictory and limits clinical decision making. Therefore, we made a critical analysis of scientific evidence about this matter, we made an approached to the appropriate parameters to achieve therapeutic effects and we analyzed the possible mechanisms by which these effects can occur.