Survey of Home Program Exercise Suggested by Physical Therapists for Osteoarthritis of the Knee

Abstract

Survey of Home Program Exercise Suggested by Physical Therapists for Osteoarthritis of the Knee

Porntip Mekhora             BSc.(Physio therapy), M.B.A.*

*Department of Rehabilitation, BMA Medical College and Vajira Hospital

Objective: To determine and collect the exercise program commonly suggested by physical therapists (PT) for patients with osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee

Study design: Descriptive study

Subjects: Twenty-nine physical therapists who have been working in 4 hospitals under Department of Medical Services,BMA; BMA Medical College and Vajira hospital, Taksin hospital, BMA General hospital and Charoenkrung pracharak hospital were studied during April-May 2005

Method: Questionnaires were used for the survey with 100% response rate. The questionnaires comprises of demographic characteristics and exercise images with instruction ad questions regarding to frequency, ease of use and effectiveness. The data were analyzed by using descriptive statistics.

Main outcome measures: Frequency of knee exercise program suggested by physical therapists.

Results: The five most common exercises suggested by physical therapists were isometrically raising the lower leg in sitting position (89.7%), dragging the heel to the buttock in supine (65.5%), isometrically pressing the knee against a pillow underneath (62.1%), isometrically raising the lower leg in supping with a pillow underneath the knee (55.2%), and raising the lower leg with a sandbag on the ankle in sitting position (55.2%).

Conclusion: All five exercises are easily performed with high effectiveness. These exercises are classifies as free, isometric and resisted exercises

Key word: osteoarthritis of the knee, home program exercise.

Vajira Med J 2005 ; 49 : 95 - 102