The effect of hip abductors strengthening exercise on knee pain and function in people with knee osteoarthritis

Abstract

Objective. This research is a step put forth for the further progression in this field, to find out the effectiveness of hip abductor muscles strengthening exercises along with the quadriceps exercises, in reducing knee pain and improving the functional performance of knee joint in patients with knee osteoarthritis.
Material and Method. 30 subjects with knee osteoarthritis were divided into two groups randomly. Group A was provided with general quadriceps strengthening exercises along with short wave diathermy. While Group B was provided with quadriceps strengthening and hip abductors strengthening exercises in conjunction with SWD. Then both the groups were tested by using the following four scales: 11 Point Numeric Rating Scale, WOMAC Scale, Step Test and Timed Up and Go Test.
Results. After providing the physiotherapy management to the patients both the groups showed significant improvement in all the four scales, 11 Point Numeric Rating Scale, WOMAC Scale, Step test and Timed Up and Go Test. But the group with hip abductor strengthening showed greater improvement than the other group.

Key words:

strengthening exercises, musculoskeletal pain, physical dis­ability

Read in the full issue (PDF)