The Effectiveness of Quadriceps Exercise, Home-Based Exercise Program and Home-Based Exercise Program in Combination with Physical Modalities for Treatment in Osteoarthritis Knee: A Randomized Control Study

Objectives: Therapeutic exercise is one of the most commonly used non-pharmacological methods for treating knee osteoarthritis (OA). This study proposed to compare the effectiveness of quadricep exercise, home-based exercise program and home-based exercise program in combination with physical modalities. Method: Patients with primary knee OA had been selected to receive the treatment. They were randomly allocated into three groups: Quadriceps Exercise, Home Exercise Protocol and Home Exercise Protocol with Physical Modalities. The outcomes were measured regarding six-minute walk test (6MWT) and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) for pain, stiffness and function at baseline, six weeks and 12 weeks. Results: 123 patients were recruited to participate this study and randomly divided into three groups. The results show the progressive improvement of each group. The mean of 6MWT had no significant difference among the studied groups at 12 weeks. WOMAC scores of the groups were not significantly different. Conclusion: These three exercise protocols can be used for patients with osteoarthritis knee. The outcomes in terms of 6MWT and WOMAC scores were not significantly different. They were proved that the protocols allow to improve the patients’ physical performances within 12 weeks.