Original Research Article
Year: 2022 | Month: April-June | Volume: 7 | Issue: 2 | Pages: 295-304
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijshr.20220441
Comparison of Effectiveness of Forward Walking vs Retro Walking on Pain and Function in Patients with Postmenopausal Osteoarthritis of Knee
Madhura Dinesh Kajale, Syed Rais Akhter Rizvi2
1MPT Musculoskeletal Disorders and Sports,
2Professor and Principal, Anuradha College of Physiotherapy, Bangalore- 560091
Corresponding Author: Madhura Dinesh Kajale
ABSTRACT
Background and Objectives: Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis and the leading source of physical disability with severely impaired quality of life in people. The overall prevalence of OA in India is found to be higher in females than in males. Rehabilitation exercises in the form of Closed Kinetic Chain Exercises (CKCE) are an effective way in the management of OA knee. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of forward walking versus retrowalking on pain and function in postmenopausal women with OA knee.
Methods: 30 postmenopausal females diagnosed with OA knee were randomly allocated into 2 groups. Group A received forward walking while Group B received retrowalking. Both the groups received conventional physiotherapy such as strengthening exercises and Ultrasound along with their assigned interventions. The outcomes were measured in terms of Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) at the start of the intervention and at the end of 6 weeks.
Results: The results of the present study showed statistically significant difference within the groups for all outcome measures; but significant difference was found only for WOMAC scores between the groups. Further it was also found that ROM of the knee showed a significant difference both within the groups as well as between the groups. Group B showed better improvement that Group A for pain and function of the knee.
Interpretation and Conclusion: The present study concludes that both forward walking and retrowalking are individually effective in reducing pain and improving function of post-menopausal women with OA knee. However, retrowalking results in greater reduction in pain and improved function of postmenopausal women with OA knee.
Keywords: Retro walking, Forward Walking, Osteoarthritis, Menopause.