The Effects of Yoga and Medial Thrust Gait Training and Conventional Physiotherapy on Gait Biomechanics, Pain, and Function in Individuals with Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Clinical Trial Protocol

Background: Literatures indicate a strong association between biomechanical factors, i.e., increased knee adduction moment (KAM) and knee osteoarthritis. Laboratory studies showed that yoga exercises and medial thrust (MT) gait pattern could reduce the KAM. However, there is a lack of clinical evidence to support their efficacy compared to current exercise therapy regimens. Objectives: This randomized control trial will compare the effects of combined yoga and the MT gait training and conventional knee exercises on gait biomechanics, pain, and function in people with knee OA. Methods: Forty patients with knee OA will be randomly allocated to two treatment groups: (1) the yoga and MT gait group (YogaMT), and (2) the conventional physiotherapy group. Exercise therapy for the YogaMT group includes the MT gait training, and the yoga exercises, and for the conventional physiotherapy group, conventional knee strengthening exercises. The amount of KAM during gait, pain severity, and the functional score will be assessed at baseline, two days and one month after 12 sessions of treatment. Conclusions: Physiotherapists should explore etiology-based interventions targeting the contributing factors to the development and progression of OA. The results of this RCT may help suggest a more effective treatment for patients with knee OA.