Comparative Effectiveness of Class IV Laser Therapy Versus Conventional Electrotherapy Combined with Strengthening Exercises in Patients with Grade II Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Comparative Study

Lakshita Aggarwal; Stuti Mittal; Shafiya Rashid

doi:10.36948/ijfmr.2026.v08i03.82011

Comparative Effectiveness of Class IV Laser Therapy Versus Conventional Electrotherapy Combined with Strengthening Exercises in Patients with Grade II Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Comparative Study

Author(s)	Dr. Lakshita Aggarwal, Dr. Stuti Mittal, Ms. Shafiya Rashid
Country	India
Abstract	Background: Knee OA is a common degenerative joint disease (DJD) that is associated with pain, functional impairments and poor mobility. Conservative treatment is commonly achieved using physiotherapy treatments including transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), therapeutic ultrasound and exercise therapy. The use of Class IV laser therapy has been highlighted recently due to its deeper tissue penetration and its photobiomodulatory effects. Objectives: To compare the effectiveness of Class IV laser therapy along with strengthening exercises with strengthening exercises, TENS, and ultrasound therapy for patients suffering from grade II knee osteoarthritis. Methods: The study design was a randomized comparative experimental study involving 60 participants with knee osteoarthritis (KOA) Grade II. The participants were randomly distributed in two groups (n = 30 in each group). Group A was treated with Class IV laser therapy and quadriceps/hamstring strengthening exercise program, and Group B was treated with TENS, therapeutic ultrasound and the same strengthening exercise program. Interventions lasted for four weeks. The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain, the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) for functional assessment and knee range of motion (ROM) measured by a universal goniometer were used as outcome measures. Paired and independent t-test were used for pre and post data analysis. Result: Both groups showed statistically significant improvements in pain relief, functional ability and knee ROM after treatment (p < 0.05). Group A, however, had significantly lower VAS and WOMAC scores and had a larger improvement in ROM when compared to Group B (p < 0.001). There were positive findings regarding the effectiveness of treatment and the percentage improvement in the Class IV laser therapy group. Conclusion: Based on the findings, class IV laser therapy and strengthening exercises seem to be more effective than conventional electrotherapy modalities (TENS, ultrasound) and strengthening exercises on pain reduction, function and mobility in patients with Grade II knee osteoarthritis.
Keywords	Knee Osteoarthritis; Class IV Laser Therapy; High-Intensity Laser Therapy; TENS; Ultrasound Therapy; Physiotherapy; WOMAC; Rehabilitation
Field	Medical / Pharmacy
Published In	Volume 8, Issue 3, May-June 2026
Published On	2026-06-21
DOI	https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2026.v08i03.82011

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Comparative Effectiveness of Class IV Laser Therapy Versus Conventional Electrotherapy Combined with Strengthening Exercises in Patients with Grade II Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Comparative Study

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