Comparison of muscle strength, physical function, QOL and balance between whole body vibration versus wobble board exercises in knee osteoarthritis patients.

Introduction: Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most common forms of degenerative joint disease affecting both males and females. Knee OA is characterized by symptoms which include pain, joint stiffness and reduced quadriceps strength, causing physical disability.   Individuals with knee OA suffer progressive loss of function, displaying increasing dependency in walking, stair climbing and other lower extremity tasks. Intact and optimal neuromuscular function is supposed to be of critical importance to development and/or progression of knee OA. Balance is a significant component of many essential activities of daily living. Effective control of balance thus relies not only on accurate sensory input but also on a timely response of strong muscles. Strength of the quadriceps muscles is an important intrinsic factor for check knee joint function. Recently, the use of whole body vibration (WBV) for increasing muscle strength in individuals with knee OA has been advocated as an efficient and alternative method to resistance training.

Objectives of the study: To compare the effects of wobble board exercises and whole body vibration therapy exercise on pain, muscle strength, physical function, QoL and balance in knee osteoarthritis patients.

Significance of the study: This study will have implications for Physiotherapists and scientists aiding knee OA patients, in the selection of their preferred treatment.

Method: Total of 38 sample of (19=experimental group, 19=control group) will be taken from Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India based on the inclusion exclusion criteria. Subjects will be assigned into whole body vibration and wobble board exercises groups by randomization. Baseline measurements will taken at day one and after 4 weeks of intervention.

Research design: a randomized, therapy-controlled trial.

Procedure: All the subjects will be assessed for their demographic characteristics. They will be divided randomly into experimental and control group, respectively. Baseline measurements for pain (NPRS), physical functioning (KOOS), Quality of Life on scales (SF-36), Y-Balance test (YBT) and surface EMG of Quadriceps and Hamstring group of muscle will be taken for both the experimental and control group. Two groups, experimental (n=19) and control (n=19) both will continue their standard medical care and lifestyle modification during the course of study. In addition the experimental group will receive whole body vibration therapy four times a week for 4 weeks and therapy control group will perform wobble board exercises.