Femoral Nerve Mobilization for Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis

Effects of Femoral Nerve Mobilization on Pain Intensity, Function, Quality of Life and Central Sensitization in Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis

Background: Knee osteoarthritis (KO) is considered as a cause of disability among the elderly, causing pain, reduced quality of life, and decreased functionality. There is a limited knowledge about using femoral nerve mobilization in treating patients with arthritic changes.

Objectives: This study will be designed to determine the efficacy of adding of femoral nerve mobilization on pain intensity, function, quality of life and central sensitization in patients with knee osteoarthritis Methods: Thirty patients (aged ≥50 years with KO Kellgren-Lawrence grades I-II) will be included in this study: Patients will randomly be assigned into two groups: group A will receive traditional physical therapy while group B will receive femoral nerve mobilization in addition to traditional physical therapy. Three sessions will be performed for four weeks by 3 session /week. Patients will be evaluated for pain intensity using the numerical rating scale (NRS), knee function by WOMAC scale, quality of life by 12-item Short Form Survey questionnaire (SF-12) and central sensitization by the Arabic version of central sensitization inventory (CSI).

Inclusion Criteria:

• patients aged 50 years or older, diagnosed with KO according to theAmerican College of Rheumatology's criteria with knee pain, and grade I or II on the Kellgren-Lawrence radiographic scale

Exclusion Criteria:

• individuals suffering from chronic conditions considered to be perpetuating factors (e.g., fibromyalgia)
• those with conditions causing lower extremity pain
• individuals who had taken analgesics within 24 h before evaluations
• those who had undergone corticosteroid or local anesthetic infiltration in the year prior to the study or during the follow-up period
• those using substances that could interfere with treatment
• those with a previous diagnosis of neuropathy (lumbosacral plexus) or myopathy
• those with contraindications to mobilization or exercise, and those with cognitive deficits (dementia, Alzheimer's).