Screening of therapeutic potentials of proprioceptive exercises and topical glucosamine sulfate on pain and functional disability in knee osteoarthritis

Abstract

Purpose: To compare the effects of proprioceptive exercises and topical glucosamine sulfate on knee osteoarthritis in terms of reducing pain and functional disability. Methods: A single-blinded randomized clinical trial (IRCT20220115053712N1) was conducted at Muhammad Physical Therapy Clinic and Rehabilitation Center, Multan, Pakistan, from November 2021 to April 2022. Eighty-four patients enrolled and were randomized into two groups; patients in Group A were treated with proprioceptive exercises while those in Group B were treated with topical glucosamine sulfate. The Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) scale were used to measure pain and functional activities at baseline, 9th and 18th sessions. Results: The results showed that both interventions were effective, but more in Group A (p < 0.05). Group A also showed highly significant improvement in relieving the pains associated with osteoarthritis when compared to Group B (p ≤ 0.001). Conclusion: Proprioceptive exercises are more efficient than topical glucosamine sulfate for managing knee osteoarthritis, improving functional outcomes and lowering pain intensity.