Laser or pulsed electromagnetic field: which treatment is more effective for knee osteoarthritis?

INTERVENTION: Participants are randomly assigned to one of the two intervention groups by using a computer‐generated random software sequence of allocation. Participants are randomized by the clinic secretary, who was not involved in the study, prior to the pre‐intervention assessment once the eligibility criteria are confirmed. The low‐level laser therapy (LLLT) intervention is carried out while wearing goggles, which are one of the system's accessories. LLLT is applied in a six‐session format twice a week. The treatment parameters are: power 100%, dose 8 J/cm², frequency 2 Hz, duty factor 75%, treatment area 20 cm² applied over five points over the anterior part of the articular space, for 3 minutes for each point for a total time of 15 minutes. The pulsed electromagnetic field laser therapy (PEMF) applicator is applied over the medial and lateral side of the knee. The parameters are field shape rectangular, frequency 30 Hz, intensity 10 mT, treatment time 15 minutes. Each treatment modality is composed of six sessions, twice a week. CONDITION: Primary knee osteoarthritis ; Musculoskeletal Diseases ; Gonarthrosis [arthrosis of knee] PRIMARY OUTCOME: Pain intensity during rest, walking, and while standing up measured using the visual analog scale (VAS) at baseline and post the six sessions (week 3) SECONDARY OUTCOME: ; 1. Pain intensity, stiffness, and level of physical functioning measured using the Hebrew version of the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis questionnaire (WOMAC) at baseline and post the six sessions (week 3); 2. Functional mobility measured using the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test at baseline and post the six sessions (week 3); 3. Walking ability measured using the 10‐Meter Walk (10MW) at baseline and post the six sessions (week 3); INCLUSION CRITERIA: 1. Primary KOA 2. Age 50‐75 years old 3. Both genders 4. Symptomatic knee pain lasting for 6 months or longer 5. Pain level =4 out of 10 according to the Visual Analog Scale (VAS scale) 6. Independent walking ability of at least 30 meters 7. KOA level of 2‐3 according to the Kellgren–Lawrence classification scale