The Effect of Proprioceptive and Strengthening Exercises in Knee Osteoarthritis

Study Design

The study was a randomized controlled trial.

Objective

To compare the effectiveness of proprioceptive exercises and strengthening exercises in treatment of osteoarthritis of knee in terms of pain and functional disability.

Background

Few investigations include both strengthening and proprioceptive exercises in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis. Though previous studies give us some insight in to the role of proprioceptive exercises in knee OA but none of the studies have studied the combined effect of strengthening exercises and proprioceptive exercises in knee OA. Thus, it is intended to check the efficacy of proprioceptive and strengthening exercises in knee OA to reduce pain and functional disability and improve joint position sense.

Methods

In this study 24 subjects who met the inclusion criteria were randomized into three groups three groups. Group A were given conventional treatment (SWD and static quadriceps).Group B were given strengthening exercises along with SWD. Group C; which were given strengthening exercises and proprioceptive exercises along with SWD. Outcome measures were pain, functional disability and joint position sense.

Results

All the groups significantly improved in VAS and WOMAC scores after intervention pd”.05, knee reposition error score (Joint position sense) only improved in proprioceptive exercises group. The proprioceptive exercises group demonstrated greater improvement in VAS and WOMAC scores as compared to other two groups.

Conclusion

This study between three groups comparing conventional treatment to strengthening and proprioceptive exercises suggest that combination of the two brings better relief to the subjects of knee OA in reducing pain and functional disability.