Effect of exercise on balance and functionality in subjects with knee osteoarthritis, asymptomatic and symptomatic

Abstract

The objective of this study is to evaluate the balance and functionality of individuals with knee osteoarthritis (OA) symptomatic and asymptomatic, as well as investigate how exercise can influence the improvement of the functionality of these patients. Will be evaluated 40 subjects with knee OA , aged 40 and 70 years and 20 subjects without OA for the data to be used for comparison. Participants will be divided into three groups : Group 1 ( n = 20 ) : patients with asymptomatic knee OA , Group 2 ( n = 20 ) : subjects with symptomatic knee OA and Group 3 ( n = 20 ) : subjects without OA . Participants included in groups 1 and 2 will receive the exercise intervention (heating , muscle strengthening exercises of the lower limbs and stretching) , 2 months , 2 times per week and will be assessed before and after treatment . Participants in Group 3 will be assessed only at the time of inclusion in the study. Will be used the WOMAC (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index) to assess pain, a structured questionnaire to obtain the history of falls and the presence of fear of falling and through the equipment Balance Master will be evaluated semi -static balance (eyes open and closed in stable and unstable surfaces), weight bearing on the lower limbs with knees extended to 0 ° and functionality by testing transpose step. Statistical analysis will be performed MANOVAs, ANOVAs, Pearson correlation tests and linear regression analyzes. If necessary, we will use nonparametric tests and the level of significance will be of 5% (p d .05). Is expected to observe a declining on balance and functionality in participants with asymptomatic and symptomatic OA , plus benefits promoted by exercise , confirming the hypothesis that the impairment of physical aspects are not directly related to the existence of symptoms of OA , as well as the importance of exercise for the promotion and disease prevention in this population . (AU)