Effect of a physiotherapy rehabilitation program on knee osteoarthritis in patients with different pain intensities

Abstract

[Purpose] To examine the effect of physiotherapy rehabilitation program on moderate knee osteoarthritis in patients with different pain intensities. [Subjects and Methods] Sixty subjects (37 men and 23 women) with moderate knee osteoarthritis participated in the current study. Randomization software was used to select the participating subjects’ numbers from the clinic records. They were classified into three groups according to pain intensity: mild, moderate, and severe pain groups. All groups underwent a standard set of pulsed electromagnetic field, ultrasound, stretching exercises, and strengthening exercises. Pain intensity, knee range of motion, knee function, and isometric quadriceps strength were evaluated using the visual analogue scale, universal goniometer, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities osteoarthritis index, and Jamar hydraulic dynamometer, respectively. The evaluation was performed before and after a 4-week rehabilitation program. [Results] All groups showed significant differences in pain intensity, knee range of motion, isometric quadriceps strength, and knee function. The score change in moderate pain group was significantly greater than those in mild and severe pain groups. [Conclusion] Pain intensity is one of the prominent factors that are responsible for the improvement of knee osteoarthritis. Consequently, pain intensity should be considered during rehabilitation of knee osteoarthritis.

Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Versus Whole Body Vibration on Cartilage and Subchondral Trabecular Bone in Mice With Knee Osteoarthritis

“…A previous study revealed the beneficial effect of pre‐emptive PEMF exposure on cartilage degeneration and subchondral bone loss for knee OA (KOA) in rats, and that the time point of treatment initiation is significant for treating OA [Yang et al, 2017]. Besides, clinical studies showed that PEMF can provide benefits for KOA patients in relieving pain and stiffness, and improving physical function and quality of life [Bagnato et al, 2016; Abdel‐Aziem et al, 2018].…”

Efficacy of Slow Reversal Hold and Isometrics in Improving Muscle Strength, Increasing Range of Motion, and Reducing Pain in Patients with Osteoarthritis of Knee

“…At one end of the scale, it is marked as "no pain" and at the other end, it is marked as "extreme pain" [10]. Similarly, muscle strength was measured by using manual muscle testing (MMT) of quadriceps and hamstrings muscles before and after the treatment, in a standardized protocol as reported by Kendall [11].…”

“…Slow reversalhold: Slow reversal hold is defined as an "isotonic contraction of the agonist followed immediately by an isotonic contraction of the antagonist" [10]. The patient was laid down in a prone position, with the knee in extension and the hip in 0 degrees of rotation, abduction, and adduction.…”

“…Isometrics exercise: Isometric exercises are defined as exercises in which muscle length does not change during contraction [10]. For this exercise, the patient was For isometrics exercise for quadriceps muscle: the patient was in a supine position and a rolled towel was placed under the exercising knee.…”

Health Evaluation in the Context of Satisfaction with Medical Services among Patients with Osteoarthritis: Descriptive Cross-Section Survey

“…Osteoarthritis (OA) (Latin: arthrosis, osteoarthritis, osteoarthrosis) constitutes a common cause of necessity for using rehabilitation benefits by seniors [1][2][3]. It is the most common disease of the locomotor system, and its prevalence increases with age [4][5][6].…”