Wireless Versus Wired Iontophoresis for Treating Patellar Tendinopathy: A Randomized Clinical Trial.
BACKGROUND
The efficacy of the relatively new wireless iontophoresis patch compared with the traditional wired dose controller is unknown.


OBJECTIVE
To determine the differences among 2 iontophoresis drug-delivery systems (wireless patch versus wired dose controller) and a sham treatment in treating patellar tendinopathy.


METHODS
Randomized controlled clinical trial.


METHODS
Physical therapy clinic.


METHODS
Thirty-one participants diagnosed with patellar tendinopathy (men = 22, women = 9, age = 24.5 ± 5.9 years).


METHODS
Participants were randomly assigned into 1 of 3 treatment groups: wireless patch, wired dose controller, or sham treatment. Participants in the active treatment groups received six 80 mA/min iontophoresis treatments using 2 mL of 4% dexamethasone sodium phosphate. During each visit, clinical outcome measures were assessed and then the assigned treatment was applied.


METHODS
Clinical outcome measures were Kujala Anterior Knee Pain Scale, pressure sensitivity, knee-extension force, and sit-to-stand pain assessment using a numeric rating scale. For each clinical outcome measure, we used a repeated-measures analysis of covariance to determine differences among the treatment groups over the treatment period.


RESULTS
Participants reported a clinically important improvement on the Kujala Anterior Knee Pain Scale across all treatment groups, with no differences among groups (P = .571). A placebo effect was observed with pressure sensitivity (P = .0152); however, the active treatment decreased participants' pain during the sit-to-stand test (P = .042).


CONCLUSIONS
A placebo effect occurred with the sham treatment group. Generally, improvement was noted in all groups regardless of treatment type, but greater pain reduction during a functional task was evident within the active treatment groups during the sit-to-stand test. The wireless patch and wired dose controller treatments were equivalent across all variables.
Department of Human Performance and Health Promotion, Weber State University, Ogden, UT;
Justin H
JH
Rigby
Department of Exercise Science, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT. Dr Rigby is now with the Department of Athletic Training and Nutrition, Weber State University.
Brett B
BB
Mortensen
Department of Exercise Science, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT. Dr Rigby is now with the Department of Athletic Training and Nutrition, Weber State University.
David O
DO
Draper
D000328:Adult; D003907:Dexamethasone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000031:analogs & derivatives; D005260:Female; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006801:Humans; D007478:Iontophoresis / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010147:Pain Measurement / Q000379:methods; D015990:Placebo Effect; D052256:Tendinopathy / Q000628:therapy*; D059015:Wireless Technology
D005938:Glucocorticoids; C004180:dexamethasone 21-phosphate; D003907:Dexamethasone
tendon injuries; therapeutic modalities; transdermal drug delivery