Table 1 Basic characteristics of subjects in the two groups
Variables | Categories | Thermal gun (N = 38) | Heat pack (N = 38) | p value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Age |  |  | 66.58 ± 7.38 | 68.00 ± 6.16 | 0.37 |
Gender | Male | Â | 8 (21%) | 13 (34%) | 0.31 |
Female | Â | 30 (79%) | 25 (66%) | Â | |
Symptomatic side | Right | Â | 24 (63%) | 22 (58%) | 0.82 |
Left | Â | 14 (37%) | 16 (42%) | Â | |
Duration (year) | Mean ± SD |  | 10.00 ± 6.20 | 7.15 ± 4.44 | 0.04 |
Occupation | Wholesale and retail trades, restaurants and hotels | Â | 8 (21%) | 12 (31%) | 0.25 |
Community, social and personal service | Â | 16 (42%) | 14 (37%) | Â | |
Transport and related service, storage and communication | Â | 5 (13%) | 4 (11%) | Â | |
Manufacturing | Â | 0 | 2 (5%) | Â | |
Construction | Â | 0 | 2 (5%) | Â | |
Civilian service | Â | 2 (5%) | 0 | Â | |
Stay at home | Â | 7 (19%) | 4 (11%) | Â | |
Capable activities | Kneeling | Cannot | 29 (76%) | 30 (79%) | 1.00 |
Can | 9 (24%) | 8 (21%) | Â | ||
Squatting | Cannot | 20 (53%) | 23 (61%) | 0.64 | |
Can | 18 (47%) | 15 (39%) | Â | ||
Carry weight | Cannot | 24 (63%) | 21 (55%) | 0.64 | |
Can | 14 (37%) | 17 (45%) | Â | ||
Running | Cannot | 34 (89%) | 36 (95%) | 1.00 | |
Can | 4 (11%) | 2 (5%) | Â | ||
Vigorous knee movement | Cannot | 37 (97%) | 37 (97%) | 1.00 | |
Can | 1 (3%) | 1 (3%) | Â | ||
Prolonged standing | Cannot | 27 (71%) | 22 (58%) | 0.34 | |
Can | 11 (29%) | 16 (42%) | Â | ||
Walking | Cannot | 28 (74%) | 26 (68%) | 1.00 | |
Can | 10 (26%) | 12 (32%) | Â | ||