The effects of two different water exercise trainings on pain, functional status and balance in patients with knee osteoarthritis

Abstract

Methods: Eighty-nine female patients who had been diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis were divided into three groups as two experimental and a control group. All groups have received the standard therapy (hotpack, ultrasound, TENS). Both experimental groups underwent water exercise program. While Group 1 performed lower extremity exercise training, Group 2 performed upper extremity exercises as well as trunk exercises in addition to the lower extremity exercises used in the Group 1. The third group was control group who did not receive water exercise treatment. The pain severity was measured with the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Functional status was assessed by using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). Balance was evaluated by using the single leg stance test.

Results: The change in VAS scores from pre-to post-treatment was highest in Group 1 (p < 0.001). On the other hand, the change in WOMAC pain, stiffness and physical function values from pre-to post-treatment was highest in Group 2 (p < 0.001).

Discussion: Water exercise training was found to be beneficial in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis in both groups. Moreover, adding upper extremity and trunk exercises to the lower extremity exercises was found to be more effective for improving the function.

Keywords: Balance; Functional status; Osteoarthritis; Pain; Water exercise.