Effectiveness of Yoga therapy on Quality Of Life in Osteoarthritis of Knee joint.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic degenerative disorder which priminary affecting the articular cartilage of synovial joints, then boney remodeling and overgrowth at the margins of the joints occurs.   The consequences of Osteoarthritis is Pain, joint stiffness, decreased muscle performance, and decreased aerobic capacity which  affect the quality of life and increase the risk for disability for the individual with Osteoarthritis.   Osteoarthritis (OA) is the second most common rheumatologic problem in India and has a prevalence rate of 22–39%. Worldwide prevalence rate of Osteoarthritis is 20% for men, 41% for women. Osteoarthritis causes pain or dysfunction in 20% of the elder people. Relieving pain stiffness and improving physical functions are the important goals of the present day therapy.   OA is a chronic condition that has no effective cure, so self-management is important to control the symptoms of Osteoarthritis3. Recent practice guidelines recognize that exercise is a key element of any treatment program for Osteoarthritis. It is recommended that moderate physical activity at least three times per week can reduce the risk of arthritis-related disability by 47 %.   The prolonged disability and pain will lead to loss of quadriceps femoris muscle strength (loss of force-generating capacity of muscle), coronary heart disease, and depression. The treatment of osteoarthritis included Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), physical therapy exercise and treatment programs, cortisone injections, and joint replacement surgery.    The physiotherapist plays an important role in the patients with hip and knee osteoarthritis5.Fitness walking, aerobic exercise, and strength training have all been reported to result in functional improvement in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee.