Effectiveness of kinesthetic and balance exercise along with conventional physiotherapy in patients with knee osteoarthritis.

Abstract

Background:Osteoarthritis is a global burden of disease and the most common musculoskeletal disorder. This study was conducted to find out a better intervention to reduce knee pain, functional disability and improve range of motion in participants with knee osteoarthritis. Objectives: To explore the effectiveness of kinesthetic and balance exercise with conventional Physiotherapy in patient with knee osteoarthritis. Methodology: A randomized control trial was conducted. 18 subjects were randomly selected into 2 groups from musculoskeletal unit, CRP, Savar. Among them 9 paeticipants were assigned into trial group received kinesthetic and balance exercise with conventional physiotherapy and another 9 into control group received only conventional Physiotherapy. Data was collected from the participants through face to face interview. Total treatment sessions were 8 (2 days per week) and double blinding procedure was uesd during data collection. Outcome measurement tools: Numeric pain rating scale ( NPRS) was used to measure pain and universal goniometer ROM, and WOMAC to measure functional disability. Analysis of data: Between group of pain and disability was conducted by Mann- Whitney U test and Range of motion was conducted by Unpaired t test. Within group of pain and disability was conducted by Wilcoxon test and range of motion was conducted by paired t test using SPSS version 16. Results: Following treatment the study found that significant improvement in between group of pain (p=0.011), range of motion in flexion (p=0.002) and functional disability (p= 0.031). In within group, significant improvment showed pain in control group (p= 0.008) and trail group (p= 0.012), range of motion of flexion in control and trail group (p= 0.000), disability in control and trial group (p= 0.016). Conclusion: This research showed that kinesthetic and balance exercise combined with conventional Physiotherapy was more effective than only conventional Physiotherapy for patients with knee osteoarthritis. Key words: Knee osteoarthritis, kinesthetic and balance exercise, conventional Physiotherapy