Efficacy of Backward walking on Patients with Osteoarthritis of Knee on Quadriceps Strength, Pain and Physical Functions

Background: Osteoarthritis of knee joint is a very common cause of locomotor disability in the elderly. Reduction of pain and disability with maintaining strength and mobility is a challenge in such patients. Hence the purpose of the study is to find the effect of backward walking in OA knee patients.

Method: 20 diagnosed cases of OA knee were divided randomly into two groups of 10 each. Group A received backward walking training with Conventional physiotherapy treatment whereas Group B received only conventional treatment for 2 weeks. Pain on NPRS, Quadriceps strength and Reduced WOMAC scale for disability was assessed before the treatment and after 2 weeks. Statistical Analysis was done by using t-test and Statistical significance was accepted at the confidence interval of 95%.

Result: Pain intensity on NPRS was significantly reduced in group A from 7+1.25 to 2.7 + 1.05 (p<0.00) and in Group B from 6.3+ 0.95 to 4 + 1.15 (P = 0.00). Quadriceps strength in Group A was 6.6 + 3.77 which significantly increased to 9.8 + 3.7 (p=0.00) whereas Group B showed non-significant improvement from 4.8+ 1.93 to 5.4 + 1.35 (P= 0.08). Pain on Reduced WOMAC Scale in Group A showed significant reduction from 8.7 + 3.23 to 2.9+ 1.79 (P< 0.00) as well as in group B from 8.8 + 3.04 to 4.9 + 2.13 (P<0.00) But inter group Comparison showed non- significant reduction (p=0.05). Physical Function in Group A showed significant improvement from 13.7+ 4.08 to 5.5 + 1.65 (P< 0.00) as well as in group B from 10.8 + 2.93 to 8.6 + 2.13 (P<0.00).

Conclusion: Backward walking along with conventional Physiotherapy treatment is effective in treatment of OA Knee in reducing pain & disability and improving quadriceps strength.