Effectiveness of stabilization exercises and conventional physiotherapy in subjects with knee osteoarthritis

Abstract

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease, occurring primarily in older person, characterized by erosion of the articular cartilage, hypertrophy of bone at the margins. Numerous Physiotherapeutic Interventions are available for degenerative Tibio femoral joint disease based on symptoms. Lack of literature regarding the effect of Stabilization exercises on changes in articular cartilage, and increase in glycoprotein content hence the need of the study arises. The aim of the study was to find out the effectiveness of Stabilization exercises on articular cartilage changes in subjects with Knee Osteoarthritis. Subjects were randomly allocated to either Control Group or Experimental Group of 52 each. Control group was treated with Quadriceps and Hamstring Strengthening and stretching exercises. Experimental Group was treated with Stretching exercises, Isometric Exercises, Multiple angle isometric Exercises, Co-contraction exercises, Active resisted exercises, Proprioception exercises and Neuro muscular Training exercises. Both groups were given hot packs for 10 minutes before the exercise programme. Patients were given exercises thrice a week for eight weeks. Independent student “t” test was performed to assess the statistical significant difference in mean values between the Groups for VAS, KOOS Score and Serum COMP parameters. Paired student “t” test was performed to assess the statistical difference with in the groups for the Se- rum COMP and Sub Components of KOOS Score (Pain, Symptoms, ADL and QOL) from pre test to post test values. The results of this study have shown that Stabilization exercises of knee joint were shown to be beneficial for improving functional out come scores and there was no effect on Pain and Articular cartilage changes in Knee Osteoarthritis when compared to Conventional Physiotherapy.