Effect of Physiotherapy Treatment on Gait Variables in Osteoarthritis Knee Patients

Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) of knee joint is the most common disorder leading to functional disabilities especially during walking. Studies have shown that pain and muscle weakness associated with OA causes alteration in gait. Hence, present study is done to investigate the effect of physiotherapy treatment on gait variables in OA knee patients. Objectives: To study the effect of physiotherapy treatment on pain, physical function and gait variables (step length, stride length and cadence) in OA knee patients. Method: 20 subjects between age group of 45-60 years having grade 1, 2, 3 OA on Kellgren and Lawrence scale with bilateral knee involvement, having pain intensity more than 3 on Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) were taken for the study. Pain on VAS, physical function on WOMAC index and gait parameters were recorded on first day. Patients were then given intervention for 3 weeks on alternate days which included burst TENS for 20 mins, strengthening and proprioceptive training. All outcome measures were recorded again on last day. Results: Study showed statistically significant improvement in pain, physical function, an increase in step length, stride length and cadence following physiotherapy treatment. Conclusion: Study showed improvement in gait variables following physiotherapy treatment in OA knee patients.