The Effect of a Knee Function Promotion and Rehabilitation Program Combined with Reusable Cold Clay Compress Innovation on the Elderly

Abstract

This one-group pretest-posttest quasi-experimental research aimed to examine the effects of a knee function promotion and rehabilitation program combined with a reusable cold clay compress innovation on knowledge, health perceptions, self-management behaviors, and knee pain levels among the elderly. The purposive sample consisted of 30 elderly individuals with knee pain residing in Ban Tad Tone, Na Fai Sub-district, Mueang District, Chaiyaphum Province. The experimental instrument was a 4-week knee rehabilitation program utilizing cold clay compress innovation, implemented through group activities and weekly follow-ups. Data collection instruments were validated with a content validity index (IOC) of 0.84 and a Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of 0.86. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the non-parametric Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test. The results revealed that the majority of participants were female (70.0%) and farmers (60.0%), with a mean body mass index (BMI) of 24.32 kg/m². After program completion, the median scores of participants’ knowledge regarding knee osteoarthritis, perceived benefits, perceived self-efficacy, and self-management behaviors significantly increased compared to the baseline (𝑝<.05). Crucially, the median of knee pain severity significantly decreased from a moderate level (Mdn = 6.00, IQR = 2.00) to a mild level (Mdn = 2.00, IQR = 1.00) at a statistical significance level of .05. In conclusion, the integration of behavioral self-management and local wisdom-based clay innovation proved effective in promoting health behaviors and mitigating physical pain. This program offers a high-potential alternative for public health professionals to implement sustainable geriatric osteoarthritis care at the community level.