Comparative Effect of Graded Motor Imagery and Progressive Muscle Relaxation on Mobility and Function in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis: A Pilot Study.

Background Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common musculoskeletal condition seen in aging. Joint destruction, chronic pain, change in proprioception, stability problems and decreased range of motion are the most common problems seen in OA. Complementary therapies like yoga, graded motor imagery (GMI), progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) and Tai Chi are more effective in chronic conditions such as knee OA. Aims The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the effect of graded motor imagery and progressive muscle relaxation on mobility and function in patients with knee OA. Methods This study was a randomized controlled pilot trial conducted in a tertiary health center in Belagavi, Karnataka, India. Participants A total of 11 patients with unilateral knee pain persisting for more than 12 months were included in the study. Interventions Patients were randomly assigned to 2 groups: the PMR group (n = 5) or the (GMI) group (n = 6). Patients in the PMR group practiced Jacobson's PMR and patients in the GMI group practiced explicit and mirror therapy. All patients were treated 5 times a week for 2 weeks. Outcome measures The outcome measures in this study were range of motion and the Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) score for assessing knee joint pain, function and stiffness. Results Results demonstrated knee flexion range (P = .046) and function WOMAC scores (P = .0062) were significantly better in the GMI group than in the PMR group. Conclusion GMI and PMR were both beneficial for knee mobility and function but GMI was better than PMR in chronic knee OA.