Efficacy of Proprioceptive exercises and Balance training on Pain, Functional disability and Performance in patients with Knee Osteoarthritis-A randomized controlled trial.

The main aim of the study is to assess the Efficacy of Proprioceptive exercises and Balance training on Pain Functional disability and performance in Patients with Osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a long-term, degenerative, and inflammatory condition affecting the musculoskeletal system. It leads to pain, decreased functional abilities, and a reduced quality of life, making rehabilitation challenging. OA is the second most common rheumatic condition, following soft tissue rheumatism. It is also the most prevalent rheumatic disease and a major cause of pain and disability.

Various treatment approaches have been developed to manage pain and enhance joint mobility. Analgesics are commonly prescribed to alleviate osteoarthritic pain, but their use is limited due to side effects and only temporary relief. Other therapeutic methods include local injections and surgeries. Physical therapy for OA in the knee aims to reduce pain and stiffness, preserve and enhance joint mobility, reduce physical disability, improve the health-related quality of life, and slow joint deterioration .Balance training plays a crucial role in preventing falls. Proprioceptive exercises focus on joint position awareness, which helps maintain joint stability and posture, thereby improving the somatosensory system .

This  study  is  an experimental research that seeks to evaluate the effects of Efficacy of Proprioceptive exercises and Balance training on Pain Functional disability and performance in Patients with Osteoarthritis. The study was performed in Greater Noida and will examine whether Proprioceptive exercise or Balance training have more effect in improving pain and performance in patients with osteoarthritis of knee.

The study will require a total of 64 patients suffering from osteoarthritis of knee. These participants will be randomly divided into two groups: the Proprioceptive Exercise group (32 people) and a Balance Training group (32 people). Patients in both groups received information regarding osteoarthritis of the knee as well as protective suggestions (ergonomic advices) for the knee. The pre- test was assessed by WOMAC index and TUG test, and the post test will be assessed at the sixth week’s end. The subjects received the treatment for six weeks of three sessions per week. The subjects in group A, received the conventional treatment (modalities + conventional exercise) along with proprioceptive exercise; The subjects in Group B, received the conventional treatment along with Balance training, six weeks of three exercise sessions per week, and the participants were reassessed after six weeks with WOMAC questionnaire and TUG test. The conventional exercises integrated in both the groups included: isometric quadriceps, isometric hamstrings, tendo-achilles stretching, hamstrings stretching and vastusmedialis stretching. Each exercise was performed for 10 repetitions.