EFFECT OF THERAPEUTIC EXERCISE IN PATIENTS WITH OSTEOARTHRITIS OF KNEE

Objective: To investigate the effect of therapeutic exercise in patients with osteoarthritis of knee in view of functional capacity. Method: The subjects were 80 patients with osteoarthritis of knee. Patients were randomly allocated to exercise or no exercise(control) group. Osteoarthritis was diagnosed on the base of clinical features, X ray findings. Therapeutic exercise was consisted of quad-setting exercise, isokinetic exercise, squatting exercise. Effects of therapeutic exercise were evaluated by muscle function, functional performance and degree of pain. Result: In exercise group, muscle function such as torque and endurance of extensor and flexor of knee were increased significantly compaired with control group (p < 0.05). Increment was more apparent in extensor. In both group, pain was decreased but more apparent in exercise group(p < 0.05). Functional performance was assessed in terms of dependency, difficulty and amount of pain. Exercise group showed improvement of functional performance in walking inside, climbing stairs(p < 0.05) but control group did not show improvement. Conclusion: When we manage the osteoarthritis of knee, therapeutic exercise should be included in the treatment regimen as well as physical and medical theraphy Key Ward: Osteoarthritis, Exercise, Muscle Function, Functional performance, Pain