Effectiveness of Eccentric Strengthening Exercises on Pain and Functional Abilities in Patients with Knee Osteoarthrosis: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Abstract

Introduction. This study aimed to examine the effects of eccentric and concentric strengthening exercises on VAS (Visual Analog Scale), WOMAC, TUG score and knee flexion and extension Range of Motion in patients with knee OA. Methods: VAS, WOMAC, TUG score, knee flexion and extension range of motion were collected from 60 patients with knee OA; pre, post-6 weeks (about 1 and a half months) and post-12 weeks (about 3 months) of receiving eccentric and concentric strengthening exercises. Results. The 3x2 Mixed Design MANOVA with the subsequent multiple pairwise comparison tests revealed that the mean values of VAS, WOMAC, TUG score and knee flexion and extension range of motion significantly improved post-6 weeks (about 1 and a half months) and post-12 weeks (about 3 months) compared with the pre-test condition in group A and group B. Moreover, the 3x2 mixed design MANOVA indicate that, the mean values of VAS, WOMAC and TUG score decreased significantly post-6 weeks (about 1 and a half months) and post-12 weeks (about 3 months) in group B compared with Group A. However, there were no significant differences in knee flexion and knee extension range of motion between group A and group B among the 3 testing conditions. Conclusion. Eccentric strengthening exercise program is more effective in reducing the intensity of pain and improving functional capacity in patients with knee OA.