Effectiveness of Multi-angle Isometric Exercises on Quadriceps strength and Functional status for patients with Knee Osteoarthritis

Abstract

Background: Osteoarthritis is a developing non inflammatory disease of the movable joints and the knee is the most common site for osteoarthritis. Multiple angle isometric of quadriceps muscle is a strength training at a specific joint angle, muscle force production tends to improve most at or around the joint angles adopted during the training, although increases in force are purported to occur across a broader range of motion after training at longer muscle lengths. Study design: Assessor blinded randomized control trial (RCT) design. Method: 40 subjects with Knee Osteoarthritis were randomly allocated to two groups. The control group or standard physiotherapy group (EX; N=20) received conventional physiotherapy for four weeks (4 days/week). The experimental group or multiangle isometric quadriceps exercise group (N=20) received multi angle isometric exercise at 30, 45 and 60 degree (4days/week) for 4 weeks. Pre-tests was performed at baseline and post-test was performed after sixteen sessions (4 weeks) of the intervention. The patients were evaluated before and after treatment by using NPRS scale for pain measurement, goniometer for ROM measurement, muscle strength measurement by Oxford grade scale and WOMAC (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities) for functional status and quality of life. Results: A significant difference was found in the NPRS and WOMAC scores of both groups in group comparisons (p < 0.05) and showed significant improvement pain, ROM and functional activity. Conclusion: The findings from this study may contribute to understanding the effectiveness of multi angle exercise in patients with knee osteoarthritis. It has been effective in reducing pain, ROM and function. Moreover, multi angle exercise along with usual physical therapy enhances the effectiveness of physiotherapy and helps to decrease pain, increase flexibility and quadriceps strength, ROM and disability. Key words: Knee OA, Multi angle exercise, Functional status, Quadriceps strengthening.