Effect of Isometric Exercises (Quadriceps Strengthening) in Patients with Osteoarthritis Knee

Abstract

Introduction: Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common musculoskeletal disorder among the elderly population. Quadriceps muscle weakness is one of the biological factors that may contribute to knee pain. There was only limited evidence that higher quadriceps strength may improve knee pain. This study investigates whether quadriceps strengthening improves pain, joint stability, and quality of life (QOL) in OA patients. Materials and methodology: Prospective study was done among the outpatients visiting the orthopaedic department, Velammal Medical College Hospital & Research Institute, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India. The study period is between 1st October 2020 and 1st January 2021. We had 340 OA knee patients in the age-group t-test was used to compare between two groups, reduction in pain intensity (0.001**), improvement in QOL (0.001**), and improvement in joint stability (0.001**) in the isometric exercise group at the end of the 8th week were significantly greater than those of the control group (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The 8-week isometric quadriceps exercise program showed beneficial effects on pain, QOL, and joint stability in patients with OA of the knee.

Keywords

• isometric quadriceps exercise
• knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome scale
• knee pain
• osteoarthritis
• quadriceps