Effectiveness of Neuromuscular and Functional Task Training in Subjects with Osteoarthritis of Knee: A Comparative Study

Abstract

Background and Objective: Knee Osteoarthritis is the most prevalent and leading cause of pain and disability which is leading to functional limitation and reduced quality of life. The rate of prevalence in India it is 22-39%. Evidence suggests that Neuromuscular and Functional Task Training may be the best way to treat knee Osteoarthritis. Hence from the above literature, both the interventions are effective in improving strength and function in subjects with Knee Osteoarthritis and literature is limited on their comparison.Method: 150 subjects who were clinically diagnosed of Osteoarthritis of knee were assessed and only 68 were recruited who are willing to be in the study and they were randomly allocated into two groups. In Group I (n=34) subjects were received neuromuscular training, where in Group II (n=34) subjects were received functional task training for 8 weeks. The outcomes of this intervention were knee pain and function using disability index (KOOS) and DYNAMOMETER for limb strength (knee flexors and extensors).Results: Statistical analysis of the data revealed that in between group comparison showed there is a STATASTICAL significant difference in KOOS and Knee Flexors and Extensors strength Conclusion:In the present study Neuromuscular training is more effective in improving strength and function when compared with Functional Task Training. Thus we can conclude that Neuromuscular Training is a suitable adjunct to physiotherapy rehabilitation in subjects with knee Osteoarthritis