Retrowalking as an adjunct to conventional treatment versus conventional treatment alone on pain and disability in patients with acute exacerbation of chronic knee osteoarthritis: A randomized clinical trial

Abstract

Background:Increased external knee adduction moment during walking alters the joint biomechanics; which causes symptoms in chronic knee osteoarthritis patients.Aims:To assess additional effects of Retro-walking over conventional treatment on pain and disability in patients with acute exacerbation of chronic knee osteoarthritis.Materials and Methods:Thirty chronic knee osteoarthritis patients were randomly assigned into 2 groups. Group ‘A’ (7 men, 8 women) received conventional treatment. Group ‘B’ (8 men, 7 women) received conventional treatment and Retro-walking. Pain, assessed through visual analogue scale (VAS), and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) were the primary outcomes and knee range of motion (ROM), hip abductor and extensor strength were secondary outcomes; measured pre-intervention, after 1 week and after 3 weeks of intervention.Results:Two factors analysis of variance for repeated measures was used for all outcomes. At the end of 3 weeks; WOMAC score showed highly significant difference within (P < 0.0001) and significant difference between groups (P = 0.040) also by Time × group interaction (P = 0.024), VAS showed highly significant difference within groups (P < 0.0001). Knee ROM showed significant difference within groups. Hip abductor and extensor strength showed significant difference by Time × group interaction (P < 0.05).Conclusion:Retrowalking is an effective adjunct to conventional treatment in decreasing disability in patients with knee osteoarthritis.

Effect of 6-week retro or forward walking program on pain, functional disability, quadriceps muscle strength, and performance in individuals with knee osteoarthritis: a randomized controlled trial (retro-walking trial)

“…Similarly, a recent report suggested significantly improved function after 3 weeks of retro walking in addition to the routine physiotherapy in person with knee OA [26]. Other studies reported reduced pain and disability after a combined walking program and weight training and improved postural stability following an aerobic walking and long-term weight training programs in person with knee OA [56, 57].…”

“…However, Loew et al [25] did not compare effects in pain and aerobic fitness level with the control group. Significant improvement in function after 3 weeks of retro walking in addition to a routine physiotherapy in person with knee OA was previously noted [26]. Moreover, a recent phase I trial indicated that 70 min walking per week was safe, feasible, and tolerated by people with severe knee OA; however, longer walking-periods may exacerbate knee pain levels [27].…”

Effect of retro and forward walking on quadriceps muscle strength, pain, function, and mobility in patients with knee osteoarthritis: a protocol for a randomized controlled trial

“…Another study reported improved knee function following conventional treatment and retro-walking program in individuals with knee OA [ 25 ]. The results of the present study will enhance our understanding on the therapeutic effects of walking (retro- and forward-walking) in subjects with knee OA, and help determine whether retro- or forward-walking or both are efficacious in the management of subjects with knee OA.…”

“…Thus, our study will assess both retro- and forward-walking program in subjects with knee OA. Previous studies were limited to pain and disability outcome measures; however, in the present study, we will assess quadriceps muscle strength and mobility, in addition to pain and disability, in subjects with knee OA [ 25 , 28 ].…”

“…Recently, Gondhalekar et al [ 25 ] investigated the effects of retro-walking on pain and physical function in subjects with knee OA. They concluded that 3-weeks of retro-walking as an adjunct to the conventional training program significantly improved function in subjects with knee OA.…”