Effects of microcurrent therapy in promoting function and pain management of knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol

INTRODUCTION: Microcurrent therapy (MCT) is a rising conservative treatment for patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA). Considering its potential benefits and convenience, MCT’s application in those individuals with knee OA is capacious. However, no plausible clinical evidence has proved its unequivocal advantages in treating knee OA conservatively. The purpose of this study is to determine whether MCT is helpful in pain management and promoting function of knee OA and is safe in the treatment of knee OA in adult patients. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: We will search through MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science and Google Scholar from inception to 15 March 2023. Original studies will include randomised controlled trials of patients treated with MCT. Two authors will independently screen, select studies, extract data and perform risk of bias assessment. Data consistently reported across studies will be pooled using random-effects meta-analysis. Heterogeneity will be evaluated using Cochrane’s Q statistic and quantified using I(2) statistics. Graphical and formal statistical tests will be used to assess for publication bias. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethical approval will not be needed for this study as the data will be extracted from already published studies. The results of this review will be published in a peer-reviewed journal and presented at conferences. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42022319828