Comparison of different neuromuscular facilitation techniques and conventional physiotherapy in knee osteoarthritis

Abstract

Background/Aim: This study was conducted to compare the effects of two different 'Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF)' techniques on knee muscle strength, knee muscular endurance, and proprioception in knee osteoarthritis (KOA) and conventional physiotherapy. Materials and Methods:The study included 35 patients aged 47-62 years and diagnosed with stage 1-2 KOA. Using a block randomization method, the patients were divided into three groups as Repeated Stretching Group with repeated stretching (TG) technique (n = 12), Combined Isotonic Contraction Group with combined isotonic contractions (CIC) technique (n = 11), and Conventional Physiotherapy Group (n = 12).PNF was applied to all lower extremity patterns, and all patients were treated 3 days a week for a total of 6 weeks. Muscle strength, muscle endurance, and proprioception were evaluated with Biodex®System Pro3 (Biodex Corp. Shirley NY, USA) before and after the treatment.Results: Knee extensor muscle strength with the CIC technique showed a marked improvement than other methods and conventional physiotherapy in terms of knee joint position sense evaluated at 60° (p <0.05). Conclusion:Although all methods were effective in patients with early-stage knee osteoarthritis; however, it was observed that the most effective results were obtained by PNF using the CIC technique.