Effect of strength, gait and balance exercises, in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis

Abstract

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a rheumatic, degenerative and progressive disease that aff ects the
synovial joints. Individuals with OA experience pain, morning stiff ness, infl ammatory signals, crackles,
muscular atrophy and limitations in range of motion. Physical therapy uses therapeutic resources, such as
exercise, to reduce symptoms and improve the quality of life of individuals with OA. This study aimed to
verify the eff ect of strengthening exercises association, gait and balance on pain, range of motion, balance,
quality of life and functional capacity of patients with knee OA. Blind clinical study, which involved 16
subjects with knee OA of both genders, mean age of 61.38 ± 16.10 years. The participants underwent 12
physiotherapy sessions, performing strengthening exercises, gait and balance. They were evaluated before
and after treatment by visual analogue pain scale, the questionnaire Western Ontario and McMaster Universities
Osteoarthritis (WOMAC), the quality of life questionnaire SF-36, goniometry, Timed Up and Go
test, test fast walk 10 meters, Berg balance Scale and Romberg test. Obtained decreased pain and improved
quality of life in the domains of the SF-36 questionnaire: functional aspects, pain, general health and emotional
aspects. The treatment also provided increased range of motion in fl exion, improved balance in the
Romberg test with eyes closed and functionality in the areas stiff ness and functional aspect of the WOMAC
questionnaire. Strengthening exercises, gait and balance were able to reduce pain, improve range of motion,
balance, functionality and quality of life of patients with knee OA.