DefinePK

Abstract

Background: Osteoarthritis is a disease process involving cartilage destruction (articular), bone thickening (subchondral) and new bone formation. Physiotherapy management includes thermotherapy, Cryotherapy, electrotherapy, therapeutic and manual therapy.
Objective: The objective of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of Lumbar mobilization along with conventional Physiotherapy in osteoarthritis of Knee patients.
Methodology: It was a Randomized Controlled Trial in which 32 patients diagnosed with osteoarthritis of the knee were randomly assigned into the Experimental Group (Lumbar mobilization with Conventional Physiotherapy) and the Control group (Conventional Physiotherapy). Both groups received three treatment sessions per week, a total of 06 sessions. An assessment was made for each group at the first visit and at end of program using Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index scale, Numeric Pain Rating Scale, Goniometer, Manual Muscle Testing as assessment tools.
Results: Both groups showed significant improvement in Physical Activity Level, Pain, Knee Flexion, Hamstring Length and Quadriceps Strength. Patient with moderate Kellgren & Lawrence grading in both group showed a marked reduction in pain, improvement in disability, Knee Flexion, Hamstring length, and Quadriceps strength (p > 0.005). The experimental group showed more improvement but the difference was not statistically significant (p < 0.005).
Conclusion: The difference between the two groups was not significant. So, it is recommended that conventional physiotherapy including electrotherapeutic agents, manual therapy and therapeutic exercises is enough for managing of knee Osteoarthritis.
Keywords: Knee Osteoarthritis, Lumbar Spine, Lumber Mobilization