This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of structured therapeutic exercises in reducing pain and disability among older adults diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis. The intervention will involve a supervised physical therapy program targeting muscle strength, joint mobility, and functional capacity. Participants will undergo 6 weeks of therapy, and improvements in pain and physical function will be measured using validated scales.
Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a leading cause of chronic pain and mobility limitations in the elderly population. Therapeutic exercises play a significant role in managing OA symptoms by strengthening the quadriceps, improving joint flexibility, and reducing stiffness. This study will enroll 60 participants aged 50-75 years diagnosed with knee OA. They will undergo a combination of strengthening, range of motion (ROM), and stretching exercises tailored to their condition. The intervention also includes adjunctive modalities such as hot pack and TENS to reduce pain and facilitate muscle engagement. Outcome measures will assess pain intensity, functional ability, and lower limb endurance before and after the intervention.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
HEALTH_SERVICES_RESEARCH
Masking
TRIPLE
Enrollment
56
Therapeutic Exercises with Hot Pack and TENS This intervention focuses on improving physical function and reducing pain through structured therapeutic exercises for knee OA patients. The program includes Warm-Up (10 min): Light walking or stationary cycling. 2. Range of Motion (ROM) Exercises: Heel slides, seated knee flexion/extension. 3. Strengthening Exercises: Quadriceps sets Straight leg raises Mini squats (pain-free range) Seated knee extensions with resistance band 4. Stretching Exercises: Hamstring stretch Calf stretch Quadriceps stretch 5. Cool Down (5-10 min): Breathing and relaxation. 6. Hot Pack (15 min) + TENS (10 min): Applied pre and post exercises for pain relief and muscle relaxation.
Warm-Up (10 min): Light walking or stationary cycling. 2. Range of Motion (ROM) Exercises: Heel slides, seated knee flexion/extension. 3. Strengthening Exercises: Quadriceps sets Straight leg raises Mini squats (pain-free range) Seated knee extensions with resistance band 4. Stretching Exercises: Hamstring stretch Calf stretch Quadriceps stretch 5.
Riphah international University Malakand Campus
Malakand, Kpk, Pakistan
Pain Intensity
Pain intensity will be assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), which ranges from 0 to 10, where 0 indicates no pain and 10 indicates the worst imaginable pain. Higher scores represent worse outcomes.
Time frame: 6 Months
Change in Physical Disability
Physical disability will be measured using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). The WOMAC consists of 24 items scored from 0 (none) to 4 (extreme), yielding a total score range from 0 to 96, where higher scores indicate worse disability
Time frame: 6months
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