Ab. No. 22 Effectiveness of Combined Core Exercises and Routine Rehabilitation in Improving Muscle Strength and Functionality in Knee Osteoarthritis: A 4-Week Intervention Study

• Published in: Journal of Society of Indian Physiotherapists 2024-01, Vol.8 (1), p.49-49
• Main Authors: Thomas, Tina Dias, Eapen, Charu, Hegde, Atmananda S, Mane, Prajwal Prabhudev, Mehta, Saurabh
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Knee; Muscle strength; Osteoarthritis; Rehabilitation
• ISSN: 2456-7787; 2582-0702
• DOI: 10.4103/jsip.jsip_abstract_7

Introduction:KOA is progressively disabling in nature, and developing effective treatment strategies is crucial to impede disease progression. Recent research has explored the role of core muscle exercises in mitigating KOA progression. This study evaluates the effectiveness of integrating core strengthening exercises into standard KOA rehabilitation. The study aims to assess the efficacy of incorporating core strengthening exercises and a routine rehabilitation program for knee osteoarthritis (KOA) over 4 weeks and evaluate its impact on physical function tests, knee muscle strength, and core endurance.Methods:Fifteen participants meeting specific KOA criteria completed a four-week intervention combining conventional rehabilitation and core exercises. Selection criteria included orthopedic diagnosis, incorporating medical history, radiographic imaging, and clinical indicators of KOA.A pre-post analysis was done, wherein a portable dynamometer was used to assess for knee muscle strength and physical function tests (stair climb, 30-second sit-to-stand, 40-meter fast-paced walking, and timed up-and-go), and core endurance was evaluated. Statistical analysis using JAMOVI was done, with a significance level of P < 0.05.Result:Knee muscle strength in the affected knee’s flexors and unaffected knee’s extensors and 30-second sit-to-stand showed no significant difference. In contrast, the timed up-and-go test, stair climb test, 40-second fast-paced walking test, and endurance test showed statistically significant differences.Conclusion:After a four-week supervised exercise program, participants exhibited enhanced core endurance and physical function, showcasing the positive effects of exercise in these domains. However, knee muscle strength did not significantly differ, resulting in the need for longer follow-up studies. The study implies that integrating core exercises into routine KOA rehabilitation can enhance physical function and endurance, emphasizing the need for their inclusion in long-term treatment plans for KOA patients.