ISSN: 2161-0533
Knee pain; Fall of risk in OA; Osteoarthritis
Objectives: The objectives of this study were to find out the effects of isometric exercises in reducing fall risk in knee OA in the elderly population and also to find the effectiveness of exercises in improving the quality of life of patients suffering from osteoarthritis.
Methodology: This study was conducted at Shafi Medical Complex Rawalpindi. The study design was a Randomized Controlled Trial with 2 groups. The sample size of 60 patients was taken with 30 patients in each experimental group and controlled group). The sampling technique was non-probability Convenience Sampling and the duration of the study was 06 months. This study was initiated after approval from the Advanced Study and Research Committee (ASRC) of Isra Institute of Rehabilitation Sciences, Isra University, Islamabad. The data was collected through the questionnaire/forms as Demographic Form, Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), Falls Risk Assessment Tool (FRAT), and Short Form 36 (SF-36).
Results: In this study, Group B is an experimental group and was given isometric exercises and Range of Motion (ROM) and stretching of the knee, and in Group A was given only ROM and stretching exercises of the knee. Group B showed more significant results as compared to Group A with a significant p-value <0.05. In KOOS pain Group B showed more significant results as compared to Group B with a significant p-value <0.05. The Activity of Daily Living (ADL’s Group B more significant results as compared to Group B with a significant p-value <0.05. In KOOS Sports/Rec Group B shows more significant results as compared to Group B with a significant p-value<0.05.
Conclusion: This study concluded that isometric exercises reduce the fall risk of knee Osteoarthritis (OA) in an elderly population. It also shows that isometric exercises improve the quality of life in patients suffering from osteoarthritis.