Individualized Comprehensive Rehabilitation Program in Chronic Knee Osteoarthritis

Effectiveness of an Individualized Comprehensive Rehabilitation Program in Disabled Chronic Knee Osteoarthritis Women

Knee osteoarthritis is a common condition characterized by pain and functional disability in older people. Prevalence increases with age and is more frequent in older women. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of an 8-weeks individualized comprehensive rehabilitation program with elastic bands on pain and functional disability in chronic knee osteoarthritis.

The main symptoms of knee osteoarthritis are pain and functional disability. These symptoms are caused by a progressive loss and deterioration of articular cartilage with reactive new bone formation at the joint's surface and margins involving articular cartilage, soft tissues, and bone damage. Many treatment programs have been developed, including medication with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, physical modalities, and therapeutic exercises. It is hypothesized that an individualized comprehensive rehabilitation program uring 8 weeks would benefit women with knee osteoarthritis.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Diagnosis of primary symptomatic KOA according to the criteria of the American College of Rheumatology
• Women aged older than 65 years
• Pain predominantly over the last 3 months
• Kellgren and Lawrence score ≥2.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Ankle, hip or foot severe disorders
• Chronic back pain
• Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, motor neuron disorders.
• Diabetes mellitus
• Cardiac or respiratory insufficiency
• Inability to understand the procedure