Abstract

Aim and scope. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of 2 different concentrations of sorbitan monooleate and methylated spirit as surfactants in the electromotive administration of diclofenac diethylamine among participants with knee osteoarthritis (OA).
Materials and methods: Fifteen participants with knee OA were randomly allocated into 3 groups. Prior to diclofenac diethylamine iontophoresis, participants in group 1 had the stimulation electrode pads soaked in 1% w/v sorbitan monooleate and same procedures were adopted for those in group 2 and 3 but soaking and cleansing were in 0.5% w/v sorbitan monooleate and methylated spirit surfactants respectively. The data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics.
Results. There was significant reduction in pain intensity immediately after the first treatment session within group 1, (p< 0.02) and group 3, (p<0.05) but there was no significant difference in pain intensities of the subjects who received 0.5% sorbitan monooleate (group 2). Also, there was significant increase in knee flexion of group 1 participants after the first treatment session (p< 0.006). At 4th week, there was no significant difference in pain intensity and active knee flexion ROMs across the groups.
Conclusion. The study concluded that there was no difference in the cumulative effects of 1%, 0.5%w/v sorbitan monooleate concentrations and methylated spirit as surfactants at the end of 4 weeks. However, 1% w/v of sorbitan monooleate concentration and methylated spirit enhanced reduction in pain intensity and increase in knee flexion at first treatment session.