The Efficacy of Backward Walking on Static Stability, Proprioception, Pain, and Physical Function of Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Objective. Impaired static stability and proprioception have been observed in individuals with knee osteoarthritis (KOA), which serves as a major factor increasing risk of fall. This study aimed to investigate the effects of backward walking (BW) on static stability, proprioception, pain, and physical function in KOA patients. Methods. Thirty-two subjects with knee osteoarthritis were randomly assigned to either an BW group (BG, n = 16) or a control group (CG, n = 16). The participants in the BG received combination treatment of a 4-week BW training and conventional treatments, while those in the CG was treated with conventional treatments alone. All the participants were tested for the assessment of static stability [center of pressure (COP) sway, including sway length (SL, mm) and sway area (SA, mm2)] and proprioception [average trajectory error (ATE, %) and completion time (CT, second)]. Additionally, pain and knee function scores were measured by the numerical rating scale (NRS) and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis (WOMAC) Index, respectively. The assessments were conducted before and after intervention. Results. The COP sway (SA and SL), ATE, NRS, and WOMAC showed a significant decline at week 4 in the two groups in contrast to their baseline ( P < 0.05 ). Moreover, after 4-week intervention, the SA [(610.50 ± 464.26) mm2 vs. (538.69 ± 420.52) mm2], NRS [(1.56 ± 0.63) vs. (2.25 ± 0.86)], and WOMAC [(11.69 ± 2.50) vs. (16.19 ± 3.94)] showed a significantly greater decrease in the BG compared to the CG ( P < 0.05 , respectively). However, the proprioception (ATE and CT) was closely similar between both groups at week 4 ( P > 0.05 ). Conclusion. BW is an effective adjunct to conventional treatment in reducing pain, improving physical function and static stability for KOA patients. It should be taken into consideration when developing rehabilitation programs for people with KOA.

Effects of a Mediterranean Diet Compared with the Low-Fat Diet on Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Feeding Trial

“…Recent studies focused on the complementary therapies and integrative medicine for pain relief in patients with KOA. One study showed that backward walking is a pain-relief way [ 24 ]. In another study, the effect of herbal medicine was compared with NSAID therapy, as the topical application [ 25 ].…”

Clinical effects of proprioceptive thumb exercise for individuals with carpometacarpal joint osteoarthritis: A randomized controlled trial

“…[14][15][16] In addition, previous studies of the effects of proprioceptive exercises in knee, ankle or shoulder osteoarthritis provide the foundation for the use of proprioceptive interventions in thumb OA. [17][18][19][20][21] Joint position sense (JPS) is often measured through active joint position sense (AJPS) and passive joint position sense (PJPS). JPS determines the ability for a person to perceive a presented joint angle and then, after the limb has been moved, to reproduce the same joint angle actively or passively.…”

“…More evidence is needed on the effects of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation training for individuals with symptomatic thumb CMCJ OA to determine the most effective intervention. Considering the positive effects of the proprioceptive approach in other joints, [17][18][19][20][21] we hypothesize that proprioceptive training for persons with thumb CMC OA may reduce pain intensity and improve JPS, hand function, and occupational performance. The main purpose of this investigation is to study the effectiveness of a proprioceptive training program as an adjunct therapy to traditional treatment for patients with thumb CMCJ OA relative to traditional treatment alone.…”

Cognitive therapeutic exercise in early proprioception recovery after knee osteoarthritis surgery

“…At present, postoperative physical therapies and treatments for patients with KOA from home and abroad mainly include a joint range of motion therapy, muscle strength training, proprioceptive training, gait training, physiotherapy, etc. (6)(7)(8), which are adjusted based on the conditions of the patients. Apart from proprioceptive therapy, other rehabilitation programs are time-tested and well-developed.…”