ABSTRACT

Background and objective: Manual physical therapy and low-intensity cycle ergometry has strong theoretical basis in treatment and prevention of OA Knee. Physical therapy consists of manual therapy to knee, combined with range of motion and strengthening exercises. Recent advances has shown that cycle ergometry is beneficial in OA knee. Stationary cycling did not increase knee pain in patients with OA knee. The purpose of this study is to find out the effectiveness of manual physical therapy and Low intensity cycle ergometry in OA knee.

Methdology: 30 subjects with osteoarthritis knee were recruited and divided into groups A and B with 15 subjects in each group after signing an informed consent. Pre test was conducted on “WOMAC” for pain, stiffness and physical function and “Six minute walk test” for functional exercise capacity on both Groups. After a brief demonstration, Group A subjects were subjected to manual physical therapy, low intensity cycle ergometry and supervised exercise program for a period of 4 weeks, 2 sessions per week. After a brief demonstration, Group B subjects were subjected to supervised exercise program for a period of 4 weeks, 2 sessions per week. Post test was conducted on “WOMAC” for pain, stiffness and physical function and “Six minute walk test” for functional exercise capacity on both Groups.

Result: Based on the statistical analysis, the result of the present study shows that there is statistically significant difference in pain, stiffness, physical function and functional exercise capacity between pre-test and post-test in both experimental and control group.

Conclusion: Manual physical therapy and low intensity cycle ergometry is effective in improving pain, stiffness, physical function and functional exercise capacity in OA Knee.

Keywords: Osteoarthritis knee, manual physical therapy, low intensity bicycle ergometry, pain, stiffness, functional exercise capacity, womac, 6 min walk test.