Enhancing postural stability in knee osteoarthritis patients through targeted training: a randomized control trial using the WOMAC assessment tool.

PURPOSE: Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a common joint condition in older adults that causes pain, disability, and reduced quality of life. Although there is no known cure for KOA, exercise therapy is strongly recommended as a primary non-drug treatment. This study aimed to assess the effect of combining proprioceptive training with physical therapy on pain, balance, and osteoarthritis symptom severity in patients with KOA.

METHODS

A total of 34 patients with primary KOA (aged 50-65) were assigned to either intervention or control groups (n = 17 each). The intervention group received conventional physical therapy combined with proprioceptive training for 3 days a week for 8 weeks. The Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia (TSK), Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, and Modified Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) questionnaire were administered before and after 8 weeks intervention.

RESULTS

After the intervention, the TUG and TSK scores improved significantly more in the intervention group than in the control group (p < 0.05). Significant differences were also observed in Numerical Rating Scale and WOMAC scores (pain, stiffness, function, and total WOMAC scores).

CONCLUSION

The integration of proprioceptive training with physical therapy resulted in significant improvements in balance, reduced fall risk, and decreased movement-related fear after 8 weeks of intervention.