Protocol for physiotherapeutic management of home care for elderly patients with hip and knee osteoarthritis

Abstract

Background: Lower body musculoskeletal disorders are problems that affect muscles, bones, joints, tendons, ligaments, and nerves of the lower limbs. Osteoarthritis of the hip and knee is a degenerative disease that affects the cartilage of the hip and knee joints. It causes pain, stiffness and limited movement. Objective: to implement a physiotherapy management protocol for home care for the elderly with osteoarthritis of the hip and knee, in order to improve functional capacity. Methods: a study was carried out with a 12-week intervention guideline on 20 participants with a mean age of 72 years. Weight was measured with a scale (omron) and height with a stadiometer (seca) in order to obtain the value of the Body Mass Index (BMI). The exercise guide consists of three phases: first includes isometric exercises; second involves isotonic and resistance exercises; and, third includes balance exercises, gait re-education, reintegration into activities of daily living, a study with initial and final assessment, and instruments to measure functional capacity. The Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) was used. It consists of three tests (balance, walking, sitting and standing). The manual dynamometer measures muscle strength in lower limbs and the visual scale measures the perception of pain in the hip and knee. Results: the physical exercise guideline in elderlies with hip and knee osteoarthritis improved functional capacity increased muscle strength, and pain perception. Conclusions: the exercise protocol increases the functional capacity in the elderly with osteoarthritis of the hip and knee, presenting adequate control in the lower body.