EFFECT OF HIP ABDUCTORS VERSUS KNEE EXTENSOR STRENGTHENING ON PAIN,FUNCTION AND QUADRICEPS ISOMETRIC STRENGTH IN KNEE OSTEOARTHRITIS : PROTOCOL FOR A RANDOMIZED CLINICAL TRIAL

Background:Thigh muscle strengthening is important in knee osteoarthritis patients, this study will investigate if hip abductors strengthening can improve knee pain, function and quadricepsisometric strength comparable to knee extensor strengthening. Methods/Design: A pretest- posttest two groups study designwill be applied in Faculty of Physical Therapy ,Cairo University. 70 patients with knee osteoarthritis will be recruited with age ranges from 50-70. They will be randomized into 2 groups hip abductors strengthening (HAS) group a will receive hip abductors strengthening exercises(Hip abduction standing-Clamshell-lateral leg raise-pelvic lift training-stretching Hamstrings) and knee extensor strengthening (KES) group will receive (Isometric quadriceps setting-Knee extensions from sitting with knee bend to 900 -Terminal knee extension from sitting- stretching Hamstrings), the treatment for 6 weeks ,baseline and 6 weeks assessment of knee function will be done using ArWOMAC index, Timed Up and Go test and Quadriceps muscle strength assessment using Hand held Dynamometer. Sample size: 70 patients based on power analysis using Gpower software. Conclusion: Strengthening hip abductors only offer significant effects reaching same target with less risk of knee OA progression from knee extensor strengthening. Trial Registration:Clinicaltrial.gov,NCT04503304(Effect of Hip Abductors Versus Knee extensor Strengthening in Knee Osteoarthritis),Registration date 6/8/2020.