Effect of post-isometric relaxation and reciprocal inhibition in osteoarthritis knee

Abstract

Objectives: The objective is to evaluate the effect of post-isometric relaxation, reciprocal inhibition, and combined effect post-isometric relaxation and reciprocal inhibition in osteoarthritis (OA) knee. Methods: Ethical clearance was obtained from the Institutional Ethical Committee, KIMSDU, Karad. A comparative study was conducted at Physiotherapy Department of Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences. A total of 30 patients were equally divided into three groups using convenient sampling with random allocation (Group A, Group B, and Group C). Baseline treatment was given to all three groups’ interferential therapy and hot moist pack. Group A was given post-isometric relaxation, Group B was given reciprocal inhibition, and Group C was given a combination of post-isometric relaxation and reciprocal inhibition. Result: Statistical analysis was performed using paired t-test and ANOVA test. In pre-intervention, there was no statistical significant difference seen with p values for visual analog scale (VAS) of 0.3408 and for Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) of 0.5424. While on comparing the post-interventional values, the results between the three groups using ANOVA test revealed that there was very significant difference seen with p value for VAS of 0.0023 and for WOMAC of 0.0019. Conclusion: From the study, it can be concluded that there was a significant effect of post-isometric relaxation and reciprocal inhibition in OA knee.