Comparative Study of Bio Feedback Training with Strengthening Exercises vs Strengthening Exercises in Osteoarthritis Knee Cases

Introduction: Osteoarthritis is a non-inflammatory degenerative disorder of joints causing disability in millions of people all over the world. WHO estimates that 10% of world’s population over 60 years of age suffers from osteoarthritis and 80% of people with osteoarthritis have limitation of movement and 25% are unable to do daily activities. Thus, making it a major cause of impairment & disability in elderly and economic burden in community.

The purpose of the study is to compare the effects of biofeedback training along with strengthening exercises vs strengthening exercises in knee osteoarthritis subjects to reduce the symptoms of pain, loss of ROM and functional activity.

Methods: 50 subjects diagnosed of grade-I to early grade-II osteoarthritis recruited for the studyafter obtaining an Informed consent. Each group will comprise of 25 subjects with age group ranging 40-70 years. Group A will be given biofeedback training along with the strengthening exercises of knee, Group B will be given strengthening exercises exclusively. Both the groups will undergo training for 3 days per week for 6 weeks. Each session will be of 20-30 minutes.

Results: Parameters include WOMAC score and joint ROM, both pre-test and post-test measures will be analyzed statistically using t-test to check the effectiveness of each technique. P-value WOMAC Score showed p>0.0001 and shows significance in the biofeedback training subjects.

Conclusion: In this study bio feedback training with the strengthening exercises shows significant improvement in quadriceps muscle strength, increase Range of Motion in knee joint and reduction in other symptoms of OA knee.