Motor Learning in Knee Osteoarthritis
- Conditions
- Knee OsteoarthritisLower Extremity BiomechanicsPhysiotherapy
- Interventions
- Other: External Focus Of AttentionOther: Internal Focus Of Attention
- Registration Number
- NCT04445350
- Lead Sponsor
- St. Pölten University of Applied Sciences
- Brief Summary
Non-surgical treatment options, like exercise therapy, show excellent short-term effects regarding pain reduction and improvement of knee function. However, mid- and long-term effects are missing so far. This might indicate that long-lasting changes in motor-skill performance (Motor Learning) have not occurred. Motor learning is associated with permanent changes in the capability for skilled movement behavior avoiding unfavorable joint loads and inappropriate muscle activation patterns, leading to compensatory movement strategies. One-sided and high repetitive loads in the knee joint could be one reason for the progression of knee osteoarthritis. Physiotherapeutic strategies should therefore be able to stimulate motor learning processes. In physiotherapy, motor learning can be optimized by using instructions and feedback, targeting an external focus of attention, when learning specific movement patterns. This study investigates the effects of a 12 week exercise therapy program, using an external focus of attention, on functional and biomechanical parameters in patients with knee osteoarthritis. To measure possible changes, functional measurements are taking place at baseline, after 6, 12 and 24 weeks. The biomechanical measurements (3D gait analysis) are taking place at baseline, after 12 and 24 weeks.
- Detailed Description
Not available
Recruitment & Eligibility
- Status
- UNKNOWN
- Sex
- All
- Target Recruitment
- 50
- Kellgren-Lawrence-Score 1-3
- BMI < 33
- Free range of motion in the knee joint
- Activated knee osteoarthritis
- Lower extremity surgery in the past 6 weeks
- Intake or injection of corticosteroids in the past 3 month
- Long-term medication non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
- Neurological diseases
- Drug or alcohol abuse
Study & Design
- Study Type
- INTERVENTIONAL
- Study Design
- PARALLEL
- Arm && Interventions
Group Intervention Description External focus of attention training program External Focus Of Attention The intervention group receives a strength and neuromuscular training program. The training instructions have an external focus of attention. Internal focus of attention training program Internal Focus Of Attention The control group receives a strength and neuromuscular training program. The training instructions have an internal focus of attention.
- Primary Outcome Measures
Name Time Method Knee Adduction Moment (change over a period of 6 month with 3 measurement dates) Baseline, 12 weeks, 24 weeks 3D gait analysis during walking
Knee Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (change over a period of 6 month with 4 measurement dates) Baseline, 6 weeks, 12 weeks, 24 weeks Questionnaire; Minimum value: 0 (highest limitation), Maximum: 100 (no limitation)
Star Excursion Balance Test (change over a period of 6 month with 4 measurement dates) Baseline, 6 weeks, 12 weeks, 24 weeks An established test to determine movement control and balance ability. The test person stands on one leg and will is asked to stretch the non supporting leg as far as possible in the directions presented.
Six minute walking test (change over a period of 6 month with 4 measurement dates) Baseline, 6 weeks, 12 weeks, 24 weeks The six minute walking test is a reliable measuring tool to examine the distance a person can walk in a given time period.
Isometric strength tests (change over a period of 6 month with 4 measurement dates) Baseline, 6 weeks, 12 weeks, 24 weeks Measures the isometric force of the knee extensors, knee flexors, hip abductors, hip extensors and hip external rotators with a portable dynamometer
- Secondary Outcome Measures
Name Time Method
Trial Locations
- Locations (1)
Sankt Pölten University of Applied Sciences
🇦🇹Sankt Pölten, Lower Austria, Austria