Comparative effects of proprioceptive and isometric exercises on pain intensity and difficulty in patients with knee osteoarthritis: A randomised control study
Affiliations: Department of Medical Rehabilitation, Facuty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, Nigeria
Correspondence:
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Corresponding author: Adesola O. Ojoawo, Department of Medical Rehabilitation, Facuty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, Nigeria. Tel.: +23 4803 3567 577; E-mail:[email protected]
Abstract: PURPOSE: The study compared the effects of isometric quadriceps
exercise and proprioceptive exercise on pain, joint stiffness and physical
difficulties of patients with knee osteoarthritis. SUBJECTS: Forty-five patients with history of knee
osteoarthritis were randomly allocated into two groups; A with 23 subjects
and B with 22 subjects. METHODS: All subjects received infrared radiation for 20 minutes
and kneading massage with methyl salicylate ointment. Group A underwent
proprioceptive exercises while Group B had isometric quadriceps exercise.
Each exercise session lasted for 10 minutes according to standard protocol,
twice in a week for six weeks. Pre-treatment, 3rd week and 6th
week pain intensity, joint stiffness and physical difficulties were assessed
using Western Ontario McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC)
questionnaire. Statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 17 was
used to analyse the data while descriptive and inferential statistics were
used to summarise the result. RESULTS: Proprioceptive exercises reduced pain intensity
significantly (F = 4.76; p = 0.00) at 6th week with effect size of
2.79, and physical difficulty (F = 3.69; p < 0.04) with effect size of 7.53
better than isometric exercises. There was a significant reduction in the
pain intensity (F = 12.08; p < 0.001), and physical difficulties (F = 3.69,
p = 0.04) in pre-treatment, 3rd week and 6th week in both Group A
and B. CONCLUSION: Both exercises are effective but proprioceptive
exercises may be more effective in the management of patients with knee
osteoarthritis (KOA) than isometric exercises.
