Effect of Agility Exercises on Knee Symptom Status Among Patients With Osteoarthritis

Abstract

Osteoarthritis is one of the most common causes of disability due to limitations of joint movement and accounts for more hospitalisations which ultimately result in an increased health care costs. The present study was carried out to assess the effect of agility exercises on knee symptom status among patients with osteoarthritis. It was a quasi-experimental pre-test posttest control group design study conducted over a period of three months in 50 subjects who were diagnosed as having mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis attending outpatient department of physical medicine and rehabilitation, Medical College Hospital, Thiruvananthapuram. Basic socio-demographic and clinical data of subjects were assessed using a semi-structured interview schedule. Knee symptom status was assessed using WOMAC osteoarthritis index part-I. All the subjects meeting the inclusion criteria were assessed with both tools. Control group subjects were given range of motion and quadriceps setting exercises. Experimental group subjects were given demonstration of agility exercises along with range of motion and quadriceps setting exercises. All the subjects continued their prescribed medications also at home. Subjects were assessed after two weeks using WOMAC osteoarthritis index part-I. On statistical analysis it was understood that both groups were comparable on the basis of baseline sociodemographic and clinical data. There was significant improvement in knee symptoms among experimental group subjects (p