Conclusions
KOA, primary KOA, pain
Both PEMFT and LLLT were effective in reducing pain and enhancing physical function in participants with grades 2–3 primary KOA. PEMFT was more effective than LLLT in improving pain at rest, when standing from a sitting position, and when climbing the stairs. PEMFT was also more effective in improving physical function as reflected by better performances in the TUG test and better scores in the self-reported questionnaire pertaining to physical function. The reduction of pain at rest, when standing from a sitting position, and when climbing the stairs as well as the improvement in the WOMAC scores reached the MCID only in the PEMFT group. Meanwhile, the improvement in the TUG test reached the MCID in both treatment groups. Further research is required to determine and compare the long-term effectiveness of both modalities in treating different grades of KOA. Furthermore, the optimal treatment protocol has yet to be standardized.