Effectiveness of an Elastic Band Exercise Protocol in Tri-Compartmental Osteoarthritis of the Knee

Osteoarthritis (OA) is characterized by degeneration of cartilage in the joints, which causes the articular surface of the bones to rub against one another. The result is typically pain, stiffness and functional impairment.

Most successful approaches incorporate knee exercises to strengthen the Quadriceps under intensive supervision, with sophisticated equipment. Since knee OA is a considerable public health issue, a less expensive community based approach is desirable. Effectiveness of home-based strengthening exercises program has been ascertained in previous studies. Previous studies have used elastic band exercises in conjunction with other physiotherapeutic modalities. Few studies have explored the effects of elastic band exercise protocol.

To determine if an elastic band training protocol has effects on pain and disability in patients suffering from tri-compartmental OA of the knee.

20 participants were given a set of 8 exercises with elastic bands. The supervised training period was for 3 weeks durations and the home exercise period was 9 weeks.

The outcome measures were Visual Analog Scale for pain; self-reported Western Ontario Mac Masters (WOMAC) OA Index for disability and 6-Minute Walk Test for functional status.

Descriptive statistics were used to display the data. Paired t-test compared the pre and post test results and calculated the significant difference, with level of significance at p ≤ 0.05.

At the end of 12 weeks of strengthening exercises with the elastic band, all the 20 participants reported a reduction in pain, disability and improvement in physical function.

An elastic band exercise protocol was effective in reducing knee pain and disability, and increasing physical function in an OA knee cohort.