An electronic knee sleeve is helping people with osteoarthritis to walk further and reduce pain, researchers have said.
The wearable device has been developed by a team from the University of Southampton with input from physiotherapists and surgeons.
The sleeve uses transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (Tens) – with electrodes printed around the knee area, which are connected to an electronic control unit.
Prof Kai Yang said participants in a trial of the device reported it could “reduce pain and stiffness”.
Knee osteoarthritis – a degenerative joint disease that causes pain and stiffness – is thought to affect about five million people in the UK.
The device is currently undergoing a 12-week clinical trial involving participants with knee osteoarthritis.
Patients use it for up to one hour at a time, five to seven days per week.
Among those taking part, Mike Coyne, 58, from Hedge End, is on the NHS waiting list for a knee replacement, having suffered with osteoarthritis for about eight years.
“With the sleeve on, I can walk a lot further and a lot quicker, without limping,” he said.
“It’s really helped me when it comes to taking my dog Charlie for a walk – taking him out is now enjoyable exercise rather than a painful chore.
“With the sleeve, I can get a bit of exercise – it’s improved my overall health.”
Prof Yang said: “The response from participants has been fantastic, with most reporting that it is helping to reduce pain and stiffness, enabling them to do more activities.
“The device is also comfortable to wear and easy to use.”
The project is funded by the Medical Research Council.
The research team is aiming to recruit 80 people diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis, aged between 45 and 75, to join the trial of the knee sleeve.
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