Abstract
Background: Knee osteoarthritis (OA), a common type of diagnosed arthritis has increasing prevalence with rise in life expectancy and obesity. Relieving pain with improvement in functionality and quality of life forms the primary strategy of OA management. Surgeries involve greater medical costs and impaired ability with an impact on the quality of life. On the other hand, non-surgical options such as strengthening of the muscles by resistance and knee joint stabilizing exercises increases the physical function and mobilization with a considerable reduction in pain and disability. Hence, the present study was planned to explore the role of therapeutic exercise as an intervention in managing the pain associated with knee OA.
Methods: In this prospective study, patients of either gender who attended the Madhavbaug clinics in Maharashtra with a clinical diagnosis of knee osteoarthritis aged between 40 and 70 yrs were recruited. Enrolled patients underwent muscle strengthening and balancing exercise program for 7 days and their Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) and knee range of motion (ROM) were calculated at baseline and Day 7.
Results: Of the data analysed for 59 patients, the mean age was 65.4 years with an equal distribution of men (50.8%) and women (49.2%).The overall KOOS score improved significantly at Day 7 (Baseline: 41.12; Day 7: 55.14; % change 1.33%). More than 50% of the patients demonstrated a Grade 5 (>120) flexion for both the left and right knee ROM.
Conclusion: This baseline study consistently supports exercise as an effective means of relieving knee pain.
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