Effect of retrowalking on functional disability in chronic knee osteoarthritis among elderly using WHODAS 2.0 Questionnaire- Quasi Experimental Study

Knee OA is a degenerative joint disease characterized by the gradual breakdown of articular cartilage, leading to pain, stiffness, reduced mobility, and, in severe cases, disability. It is highly prevalent among older adults, with risk factors including aging, obesity, sedentary lifestyle. This study evaluates the effect of retro walking (backward walking) on functional disability in elderly individuals with chronic knee osteoarthritis using the WHODAS 2.0 questionnaire. A total of 314 participants, aged 60-75 years, are selected using a simple random sampling method. To be eligible, participants must have unilateral knee OA confirmed by radiographic imaging (Kellgren & Lawrence grade 1–3), be able to walk independently. Individuals with neurological conditions, recent joint surgeries or injuries, or cardiovascular conditions that may interfere with movement are excluded from participation. The primary objective is to determine whether retrowalking significantly improves physical function and reduces disability in this population. The findings aim to provide evidence for integrating retrowalking into rehabilitation programs for osteoarthritis management. The data will be analyzed using appropriate statistical tests.