| We
investigated the effects of a multi-station proprioceptive exercise
program on functional capacity, perceived knee pain, and sensoriomotor
function. Twenty-two patients (aged 41-75 years) with grade 2-3 bilateral
knee osteoarthrosis were randomly assigned to two groups: treatment
(TR; n = 12) and non-treatment (NONTR; n = 10). TR performed 11 different
balance/coordination and proprioception exercises, twice a week for
6 weeks. Functional capacity and perceived knee pain during rest and
physical activity was measured. Also knee position sense, kinaesthesia,
postural control, isometric and isokinetic knee strength (at 60, 120
and 180°·s-1) measures were taken at baseline and after
6 weeks of training. There was no significant difference in any of
the tested variables between TR and NONTR before the intervention
period. In TR perceived knee pain during daily activities and functional
tests was lessened following the exercise program (p < 0.05). Perceived
knee pain was also lower in TR vs. NONTR after training (p < 0.05).
The time for rising from a chair, stair climbing and descending improved
in TR (p < 0.05) and these values were faster compared with NONTR
after training (p < 0.05). Joint position sense (degrees) for active
and passive tests and for weight bearing tests improved in TR (p <
0.05) and the values were lower compared with NONTR after training
(p < 0.05). Postural control ('eyes closed') also improved for
single leg and tandem tests in TR (p < 0.01) and these values were
higher compared with NONTR after training. The isometric quadriceps
strength of TR improved (p < 0.05) but the values were not significantly
different compared with NONTR after training. There was no change
in isokinetic strength for TR and NONTR after the training period.
The results suggest that using a multi-station proprioceptive exercise
program it is possible to improve postural control, functional capacity
and decrease perceived knee pain in patients with bilateral knee osteoarthrosis.
KEY
WORDS: Osteoarthrosis, proprioception, balance, perceived knee
pain, function.
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