Category: Physiotherapy

JIBI PAUL1 , THENMOZHI S 2

Authors:

2 BPT Intern, Faculty of Physiotherapy, DR.MGR.Educational and Research Institute, Velappanchavadi, Chennai,India

Corresponding Author:

Professor, Faculty of Physiotherapy, ACS Medical College and Hospital, Dr M.G.R. Educational and Research Institute University, Chennai. Mail id: physojibi@gmail.com

ABSTRACT

Back and objective of the study: Individual with neck pain that lack an identifiable patho-anatomic cause for their symptoms are usually classified as having mechanical neck pain. Stretching is believed to provide many physical benefits including improved flexibility, injury prevention, improved muscle or athletic performance. Aim of the study was to find out the effects of static stretching and dynamic stretching on mechanical neck pain and also to compare the effectiveness between static and dynamic stretching on mechanical neck pain.

Methodology: Comparative study with Quasi Experimental design conducted at ACS Medical College and hospital, Chennai. Both genders of thirty patients were selected for the study. Convenient sampling method used to select the samples on the basis of selection criteria. Visual analogue scale and neck disability index were used as measurement tools for data collection. The study conducted for duration of four weeks.

Results:   The results shows significant difference in neck pain and neck function between static stretching and dynamic stretching with F value 1733 and <0.0001. Static stretching found more effective than and dynamic stretching with more mean difference of VAS and NDI scores 5.33 and 22.8 compared to 1.73 and 12 respectively.

Conclusion: The static stretching is more effective than dynamic stretching in improving pain and functional disability in patients with mechanical neck pain.

Keywords: Mechanical neck pain, Neck Disability Index, Static stretching, Dynamic stretching

MANJUNATHA. H 1 ,JIBI PAUL 2 ,MADAN MOHAN.M.R3

Corresponding Author:

1 Principal, East Point College of Physiotherapy, Jnana Prabha, Bidarahalli, Virgo Nagar, Bangalore, India, Mail id: manjuinlife@gmail.com

Co Authors:

2 Professor, Faculty of Physiotherapy, DR MGR Educational and Research Institute, Velappanchavadi, Chennai,India 3 Associate Professor East Point College of Physiotherapy, Jnana Prabha, Bidarahalli, Virgo Nagar, Bangalore, India.

ABSTRACT

Background and objective: Trunk control is a crucial component to perform motor function and also to maintain good posture. Trunk gives background for moving upper limbs and lower limbs. The objective of this study was to find out the effectiveness of selective trunk activities in rehabilitation of hemiplegia.

Methods: It is a pre and post experimental design. 30 patients have participated and were divided into two equal groups. i.e, experimental and control group, with 15 subjects in each group. Experimental group received routine neuro-rehabilitation along with selective trunk activities, whereas, control group received only routine neuro-rehabilitation program. Pre and post assessment of trunk balance and impairment was measured by using Trunk Impairment Scale (TIS) and Rivermead Motor Assessment Protocol (RMAP).

Results: Before the treatment mean values of both control and experimental groups were approximately equivalent There was a significant increase in the mean value of the TIS and RMAP in the experimental group than that of the control group.

Conclusion: Posture and stability are the key factors in maintaining proper balance of the trunk. Hence, selective trunk activity has a significant improvement in trunk balance and postural stability and could be considered as an important part in rehabilitation of hemiplegia.

Keywords: Hemiplegia, trunk movements, selective trunk activity, stroke, postural stability, balance.

KANCHAN A. KATRE1 , VIJAYAKUMAR PUSHPARAJ 2 , JIBI PAUL3

Authors:

1 Faculty of Physiotherapy, P.E.S Modern college of Physiotherapy, Modern College road, Pune-5, Maharastra, India .

3 Faculty of Physiotherapy, DR.MGR.Educational and Research Institute, Velappanchavadi, Chennai,India

Corresponding Author:

2 Professor, Rajarajeswari College of Physiotherapy, Kambipura, Mysore Road, Bangalore, Karnataka, India. Mail id: vijayrrc@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT

Introduction: The objective of the study was to determine the effectiveness of Otago exercise program (OEP) and strength training program (STP) on lower limb strength and risk of fall among bilateral knee osteoarthritis patients and compare its effects.

Method: Subjects diagnosed with bilateral knee osteoarthritis were included and randomly assigned into group A ( N=20) and group B ( N=20). Subjects in Group A received otago exercise program and strength training program in group B. All the subjects were assessed with baseline and post intervention outcome measure for risk of fall with The Time up and Go test (TUG) and lower limb strength with 30-sec Chair Stand Test.

Result: This study shows that the mean score Inter-group analysis of time up go test (TUG) in between Otago Exercise Program and Strength Training Program group shows (p < 0.05) with significant improvement and with mean score of 30sec Chair Stand Test (30sec CST) on the Lower limb strength in between Otago Exercise Program and Strength Training Program group shows no significant improvement with p value of 0.0570 (p>0.05).In intra group analysis the time up go test shows significant result in OEP group but not in STP group and with the 30 – sec chair stand test showed significant result in both the groups.

Conclusion: The study showed that otago exercise program is effective in reducing the risk of fall and improving lower limb strength among bilateral knee osteoarthritis than Strength training program.

Keywords: Osteoarthritis , Otago exercise program, strength training program, time up and go test, 30-sec Chair Stand Test and risk of fall.

Received on 11th February 2019, Revised on 24th February 2019, Accepted on 28th February 2019

INTRODUCTION

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent disease characterized by structural changes in cartilage, bone, synovium, and other joint structures1. Osteoarthritis is estimated to be the eighth leading non-fatal burden of disease, accounting for 2.8% of total years of living with disability². It is the most prevalent and disabling chronic diseases affecting the elderly causing progressive dysfunction of articular cartilage which results in impaired joint motions, severe pain, and disability³. The ageing process is accompanied by a decline in function of systems that are responsible for the control of balance ⁴.

Osteoarthritis of the knee is associated with disability due to pain, quadriceps dysfunction, and impaired proprioception. Quadriceps dysfunction in OA knee includes impaired proprioception, especially in the more extended knee joint positions; impaired ability to accurately and steadily control submaximal force and impaired eccentric strength5. These proprioceptive deficits may contribute towards reduced dynamic knee stability. The integrity and control of sensorimotor systems i.e. proprioceptive acuity and muscle contraction,are essential for the maintenance of balance and production of a smooth and stable gait.It has been established that proprioceptive acuity, joint movement and sense of resistance declines both with age and as a result of OA ^6,7.

Pattern of muscle use changes as an individual ages8. Out of more than 400 risk factors for fall9, lower limb weakness and decreased balance are the two of the most easily modifiable risk factors. Fall rates increase with age10 and the frequency of fall is higher among women than men11. With the increasing age, approximately after the age of 60 years, a person’s physical ability, including gait speed,muscle strength,and balance, generally declines, so the incidence of fall and the severity of fall related complications increase ^12,13,14.

Timed Up & Go Test (TUG) is a test for balance that is commonly used to examine functional mobility in community-dwelling, frail older adults with age group between 70–84 years15 and appears to be a valid method for screening for both level of functional mobility and risk for fall in community-dwelling elderly people16. Also the 30-sec chair stand test provides a reliable and valid indicator of lower body strength in generally active, community-dwelling older adults¹⁷. 

Balance and gait training are important components of any exercise program aimed at decreasing the risk of fall among older adults, so any exercise program for older adults should include exercises to improve both strength and balance18. Evidence has shown that certain rehabilitation exercises such as the Otago exercise program and Fall Management exercise are effective in returning fall patients to normal functional movement if the patient adheres to the routine¹⁹.

The Otago Exercise Program (OEP) is a fall prevention program which addresses the risk factors of poor balance and lower limb weakness with an individually prescribed, home based strength and balance exercise program in older adults. There are only very few studies about Otago Exercise Program focusing on reducing fall risk in older adults having bilateral osteoarthritis of knee. Also few studies have stated that the Strength training of the lower limb muscle helps to improve physical performance and reduce disability along with improving the strength of muscles in the community-dwelling elders with bilateral osteoarthritis of knee²². But there are very few studies done for reducing the risk of fall in older adults with bilateral osteoarthritis of knee by using Otago exercise program. Hence, the main purpose of this study was to determine whether there is effect of Otago Exercise Program over strength training program for 8 weeks in reducing the risk of fall and improving leg strength in older adults having bilateral osteoarthritis of knee.

Objective of the study: The main objective of the study was to determine the effect of Otago exercise program and strength training program and compare the effectiveness Otago exercise program over strength training program on leg strength and risk of fall among bilateral knee osteoarthritis patients.

METHODOLOGY

This was a randomized clinical trial study design conducted after obtaining the approval from the Institutional Ethical Committee (IEC) of PES Modern college of Physiotherapy, Pune. The subjects who reported to the outpatient department (OPD) of the study setting at PES Modern college of Physiotherapy, Pune with bilateral knee osteoarthritis were selected and screened for the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Those subjects who satisfied the inclusion criteria were included for the study. Total 40 subjects (n=40), of both male and female gender between age group of 60 to 69 years were included for the study and a written informed consent was obtained from each of the forty subjects, after explaining about the detailed procedure of the study. Then the selected subjects were randomly allocated into group A and group B with 20 subjects in each group. Group A ( N=20) received Otago Exercise Program (OEP) which contains strength training, balance training and walking program. Group B ( N=20) received Strength Training Program (STP), which contains only strength training. Each subject in both the groups received an exercise activity booklet of the respective exercise program, with illustrations and instructions about the program. All the subjects were instructed to wear comfortable clothing which should not be too tight or too loose while performing exercises. The subjects in each group were assessed for the baseline outcome measurement and post intervention outcome measurement with TUG test and 30 sec Chair Stand Test. The subjects in both the group were explained about the study and intervention in the language best understood by them. They were encouraged to clarify questions regarding the study if any. The baseline measures were recorded prior to intervention and post intervention measurements were recorded 8 weeks after intervention.

After obtaining the baseline measurement and during each session from day one, subjects in both groups were given a common treatment with Interferential Therapy with the frequency with range of 0-100 Hz, followed by the respective exercise program35. Later, the subjects performed the warm up for the period of 10 minutes, followed by the respective interventional program for a period of 20 minutes and followed by the cool down exercises for 10 minutes. The exercises which were performed for the warm up and cool down program were: Marching in place, Calf stretching, Hamstring stretching and Illiotibial band stretch.

• 

Figure 1: Flow diagram showing the process used in the study

Group A: Otago Exercise Program Group (OEP Group):

The subjects in this group received OEP training, 3 days in a week for 8 weeks (total = 24 sessions), with 40 mins per session. Each session included 10 mins of warm up and 10 mins of cool down exercises. The Otago Exercise Program (OEP) is a fall prevention program which addresses the risk factors of poor balance and lower limb weakness with an individually prescribed, home based exercise program for older adults31. Otago was developed to prevent fall among older adults. It is a set of exercise program consisting leg muscle strengthening, balance retraining and walking. Before starting the intervention, the subjects were briefed, demonstrated about the procedure of the exercises and also were assured for the correct performance of the exercise like, never exercise by holding on to an object which may move and not stable, follow the correct pattern of breathing, work in a pain free range, take rest interval while doing the exercise and to report to the researcher in case of any breathlessness, dizziness or chest pain in between the sessions.

Strengthening exercises:

The strengthening exercises in the OEP group were performed with various levels from A to D. All levels were performed with ankle weights for knee flexors, knee extensors and hip abductors. Body weight was used for resistance to the ankle dorsiflexor and plantarflexor. The level C was performed with support and level D without support. The progressions were executed when patients were able to do 2 sets of ten repetitions with each exercise. The starting level resistance for the exercise for each muscle group in each leg was determined by the amount of ankle weight the patient can lift to perform 10 good quality of repetitions before fatigue.

 It was started by providing 1 kg weight, it is to warm up the muscles which minimizes both muscle soreness and compliance problems, then subjects were asked to rest for 1 min time period and ½ kg weight was added to the warm up load to perform 10 repetitions without fatigue, after giving 2 min rest period, again ½ kg weight was added and the subjects were asked to perform 10 repetitions. If subject was able to perform 10 repetitions without fatigue then that weight was fixed as a resistance for the exercises, and if subject was not able to do the repetitions withoutfatigue, then after reducing the weight by 250 gm subjects were asked to continue the exercises with that weight for resistance.

The subjects were instructed to do the exercises slowly through the functional range of active joint movement with two or three seconds to lift the weight and four to five seconds to lower the weight. They were instructed to take two min rest in between the sets.

Balance re-training Exercises:

The balance exercises in the OEP were performed with levels from A to D. level A consist of knee bending exercise, tandem stance, sit to stand and stair walking exercises performed by the subjects. Level B consist of knee bending, backward walk, walking and turning around, sideways walk, tandem stance, one leg stand, sit to stand and stair walking exercises. Level C consist of knee bending, walking and turning around, sideways walk, tandem stance, one leg stand, heel walk, toe walk, sit to stand and stair walking exercises.

Level D consist of knee bending, backward walk, tandem walk, one leg stand, heel walk, toe walk, heel toe walk backwards, sit to stand and stair walking exercises. Balance exercises progress from holding on to a stable structure to performing the exercise independent of support. The subjects were made sure that they can recover their balance using lower body strategies before prescribing the exercises without support. Unstable subjects initially needed a wider base of support and all were instructed to look ahead while doing exercises. There are 12 balance exercises, with 4 levels of difficulties, which are as follows:

Walking: Subjects were asked to include walking in the exercise program to help increase physical capacity by wearing comfortable shoes and clothing. Before they start walking, warm up exercise i.e. marching on a place for two minutes should have done by the subjects. While walking subjects should look ahead, shoulders should be relaxed and arms gently swing, use walking aids if any, use prescription eyeglasses if advised, do not go outside if it is too cold or too warm, walk at a normal and not a fast pace, walk in a maintained, and well lit area. For walking, subjects should aim for up to 30 minutes, by breaking the session into shorter sessions (three 10-minute sessions), walking at their usual pace, at least twice a week. The walking should only incorporate walking plan when they are physically ready and able. They should begin walking indoors and progress to walking outdoors when strength and balance have improved.

Group B: Strength Training Program Group (STP): The subjects in this group received STP, 3 days in a week for 8 weeks (total = 24 sessions), with 40 minutes per session. Each session included 10 minutes of warm up, 20 minutes of strengthening program, and 10 minutes of cool down exercises. Strength Training program focused on strengthening the lower limb muscle groups i.e. hip flexors, hip extensors, hip abductors, knee flexors and knee extensors with the help of theraband in a color with which a subject could perform 3 sets of 10 repetitions while selected for training.

Initially the exercises were performed without resistance to make subjects comfortable. Before starting the exercise protocol, the resistance level was determined by giving yellow band to all of the subjects and they were instructed to perform 3 sets of 10 repetitions along with the rest intervals in between the sets, for 3 minutes. If subject was able to comfortably complete the repetitions, progression was done by changing the next color band i.e. red color band. If subject was not able to complete the repetitions, then resistance for strengthening was decided by returning to the previous level.

The secure anchoring of theraband was assured to a steady object before starting the exercises and subjects were asked to perform all exercises in a slow and controlled manner. They were instructed to perform all the exercises by maintaining the normal spinal curves, and not to lock the joints, or avoid hyper-extending and over flexing them. All subjects were instructed to work in a pain free range, to take the rest interval while doing the exercise and to follow the correct pattern of breathing. They were also instructed to report to the researcher in case of any breathlessness, dizziness, and chest pain in between the sessions.

Selection criteria:

Inclusion criteria: The inclusion criteria for this study were as follows:

Both male and female participants with age group between 60-69 years, Bilateral knee osteoarthritis, Complain of knee pain3, Complain of less than 30 minutes of morning knee joint stiffness3, Crepitus on active movements in knee joint3,Complain of bony tenderness around knee joint line3, TUG score of 14 sec and above27.

Exclusion criteria: Subjects were excluded if they had21, 24, 25: Any history of surgery around the knee, history of injury around the knee, deformity, neuromuscular disorders, and cardiovascular disorders.

Outcome measurements: The outcome measures used for this study were Time up and go test and 30-Sec chair stand test.

The Time up and Go test (TUG): In this study the risk of fall in bilateral knee osteoarthritis were assessed with TUG test. Here the patients were made to sit on the standard armchair with seat height of 18 inc16. The chair was having adequate back rest and positioned in such way that it didn’t move when the subject is performing the test.

The subject was asked to stand from the chair on the word “go” and walk at comfortable speed to the line marked on the floor 3 meters away from the chair then, turn around and return to sit on the chair. The subjects were timed from the word “go” until they return back to the sitting position. The data was recorded in seconds by using stopwatch. The older adults who take longer than 14 seconds to complete the TUG test have a high risk for fall¹⁶.

30-sec Chair Stand Test: Lower limb strength was tested with the 30 second chair stand test, which has been found to be a reliable and valid test, with a moderate correlation to weight adjusted 1 repetition maximum leg-press strength17. The subjects were asked to sit in a chair with seat height of 17 inc17, without armrest. The arms of the subjects were crossed at the wrist and held against the chest during the test. The subjects were asked to perform the test after the word “go” by standing up straight and sitting down on the chair as many times as possible in 30 seconds . The data was recorded until the subjects complete the number of stands in 30 seconds. At the end of 30 seconds if a participant was more than halfway up, the stand was counted. A score of 0 was awarded if any form of hand support was used. The test was stopped if any loss of balance occurred.

Variables: The variables used in the study were:

Dependent variables:

 Risk of fall

 Leg strength

Independent variables:

 Otago exercise program (OEP)

 Strength training program (STP)

Materials Used: Following materials were used for the recording purpose:

 Measuring tape.

 Stop watch.

 Chair with straight back without arm rest.

 Chair with straight back with arm rest.

 Weight cuffs.

 Thera band.

RESULT

The significance of outcome measure with time up go test (TUG) on the risk of fall among bilateral knee osteoarthritis in OEP group is reflected in table 1, with p value of 0.0001 which is less than 0.05 (i.e. p<0.05) showing statistically significant results in improving the post intervention measurement score of TUG test. The significance of outcome measure with time up go test (TUG) on the risk of fall among bilateral knee osteoarthritis in STP group is reflected in table 2 ,p value of 0.0503 which is more than 0.05 (i.e. p>0.05) showing no statistical significant results in improving the post intervention measurement score of TUG test.

The significance of outcome measure with 30 second chair stand test (30sec CST) on the Lower limb strength among bilateral knee osteoarthritis in OEP group is reflected in table 3, which is less than 0.05 (i.e. p<0.05) showing statistically significant results in improving the post intervention measurement score of 30sec CST. And table 4 reflects the outcome measure with 30 second chair stand test (30sec CST) on the Lower limb strength among bilateral knee osteoarthritis in STP group with value less than 0.05 (i.e. p<0.05) showing statistically significant results in improving the post intervention measurement score of 30sec CST.

The significance of outcome measure of Inter-group analysis of Pre-intervention score with time up go test (TUG) in OEP group is 17.078 and STP group is 17.0965 with t value of 0.03644 and p value of 0.4856, which shows no significant results (p>0.05). The result shows that there is no discrimination in the pre scores of TUG test between both the groups. And the outcome measure with 30sec Chair Stand Test (30sec CST) on the Lower limb strength with pre-intervention mean score of OEP group is 9.15 and STP group is 9.05 with t value of 0.2956 and p value of 0.3846, which shows no significant results (p>0.05). The result shows that there is no discrimination and significant improvement in the pre test scores of 30sec CST between both the groups.

The significance of outcome measure of Inter-group analysis of mean score of time up go test (TUG) in between Otago Exercise Program and Strength Training Program group is reflected in table 5 which shows t value of 20.569 (p < 0.05) with statistical significant improvement when compared in between the two groups i.e. OEP group and STP group.

The significance of outcome measure of Inter-group analysis with mean score of 30sec Chair Stand Test (30sec CST) in between Otago Exercise Program and Strength Training Program group is reflected in table 6 which shows t value of 1.619 ( p>0.05) with no statistical significant improvement when compared in between the two groups i.e. OEP group and STP group.

DISCUSSION

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of Otago exercise program (OEP) on risk of fall and leg strength, and to compare these effects with Strength Training Program (STP) among patients with bilateral knee osteoarthritis. In OEP group ( Group A) the results showed that there was statistically significant improvement on the risk of fall with TUG test and leg strength with 30sec Chair Stand Test in OEP (group A). On the other side the subjects in the STP (group B) showed statistical significant improvement on lower leg strength with 30sec chair stand test, but there was no statistical significance demonstrated on risk of fall with TUG. And on comparison between the groups there is statistical significant difference on risk of fall with TUG score, whereas there is no statistical significant difference with 30sec chair stand test for lower leg strength.

Thus, it showed that the OEP is effective in improving both the outcome measures, than on STP which showed improvement only on lower leg strength.The results is supported by Province et.al.²¹ that exercises including balance retraining reduces risk of fall in older adults. Similarly it is stated that morelimitation in functional ability in subjects with poor proprioception²⁶, which is observed in patients with knee OA, where there is articular damage reducing the quadriceps motorneuron excitability leading to decrease in voluntary quadriceps activation. Thus, contributing to quadriceps weakness and diminished proprioceptive acuity. This arthrogenic impairment in quadriceps sensorymotor function and decreased postural stability is proved to be associated with reduced functional performance of the patients36. Also the physical function improves contributing to an effective reduction in fall among elderly people on strength and balance training²⁹.

In addition, strengthening exercises using body weight have demonstrated a decrease in accidental fall9. The training in the OEP group of this study improves the functional ability which results in improved balance. And on the other outcome measure with 30sec CST in OEP group the results showed significant results in improving 30sec CST score indicating that there is improvement in leg muscle strength, which is important to perform day to day activities, transferring, walking, etc. in elderly bilateral knee osteoarthritis patients. The exercises which were included in the OEP, helped to improve the strength of the leg musculature in and around the knee joint reflecting on the 30sec CST, supported by Joshua N. Farr (2010)23, that patients with osteoarthritis of the knee, improved muscle strength when engaged into structured resistance exercise program. And exercises using body weight as a resistance with sufficient intensity improves the strength in the lower limb⁹.

The STP (group B) showed with no statistical significant improvement on TUG but it showed statistically significant improvement on 30sec CST, this result showed that there is improvement in functional leg strength but not on risk of fall which reflected on TUG. The result of this study is supported by Moreland JD et.al.(2003)30, the strength training alone is not effective in reducing the risk of fall in older adults. This result could be due to the effect of strengthening exercises, which is mainly on improving the strength of leg musculature than on improving balance, which is the most important reason to reduce risk of fall in older adults with bilateral knee osteoarthritis. As stated by Julie M Chandler (1997)22 the lower extremity strength gain with the help of strengthening exercises is associated with gains in chair rise performance, gait speed, and in mobility tasks, but not with improved balance, endurance, or disability. It is likely that impaired balance is a stronger risk factor for fall than poor muscle strength. Some studies have found the similar results that the strength training is more effective in improving the leg strength than improving balance in elderly people31,32. Similar results observed by Foley et.al.(2003)33,28 showed that the 8 of strength exercises on individual with lower extremity osteoarthritis improves strength, walking distance and physical function. Robert Topp et.al. (2002)18 also found that the resistance training improves the strength and functional ability of patients with bilateral knee OA.

In addition to the above reason, inclusion of walking in the exercise program, also showed improvement in results, and other studies have shown that walking programs have health benefits including improved fitness, weight loss, and lower blood pressure34. With appropriate prescription and supervision, exercise that challenges balance can be administered safely in the elderly population.

For example, it has been demonstrated that the Otago Exercise Program is feasible and safe for older people to undertake at home and have produced 35% reduction in fall and fall-related injury³⁷.

Hence, the present study provides strong evidence that Otago exercise program has its effect both in reducing the risk of fall and increasing the leg strength in older adults with bilateral osteoarthritis of knee than compared with Strength Training Programme group.

CONCLUSION

This present study provides promising results in reducing risk of fall and improving leg strength with the help of Otago Exercise Program which is the combination of strength training, balance retraining and walking program, as compared with the Strength training Program in the older adults with bilateral knee osteoarthritis. So on the basis of the present study, it can be concluded that the Otago Exercise Program is effective in improving the leg strength and reducing the risk of fall, and can be used in the exercise program of older adults with bilateral osteoarthritis of knee.

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Citation:

Kanchan A. Katre, Vijayakumar Pushparaj, Jibi Paul (2019). Effect of Otago Exercise Program (OEP) and Strength Training Program (STP) on leg strength and risk of fall among bilateral knee osteoarthritis patients, ijmaes, 5(1), 536-551.

Moorthy A 1*, Jibi Paul 1, G. Muthuraj 1

Authors:
1 Faculty of Physiotherapy, DR MGR Educational and Research Institute, Velappanchavadi, Chennai, India
Corresponding Author:
1* Faculty of Physiotherapy, DR MGR Educational and Research Institute, Velappanchavadi, Chennai, India. Email: moorthympt@yahoo.co.in

ABSTRACT

Background of the study: Knee joint stiffness is one of the commonest complications in patients who had fractures in the femur and upper tibia. Stiffness, restrict range of motion of joint caused by soft tissue tightness and intra articular adhesions. The aim of study is to understand the effects of Muscle Energy Techniques on early knee joint mobilization to improve the range of motion by reducing post traumatic stiffness.

Methodology: A pretest-post test control group design was used for this study. Thirty patients from orthopedic physical therapy outpatient department of Sri Gokulam hospital, Salem were selected for this study and equally divided into two groups. Patients in group-A (Experimental) received wax therapy, static quadriceps exercise, active assisted mobilization and muscle energy techniques. Patients in group-B (control) who received wax therapy, static quadriceps exercise and active assisted knee mobilization. Pain was measured by Visual Analogue Scale, Range of motion by Universal Goniometer and muscle strength by Manual Muscle Testing.

Result: The mean post test values for group A and group B are 2.2 and 4.4 for Pain, 103 and 78 for Active Knee Flexion, 7.7 and 6.2 for Quadriceps strength respectively.

Conclusion: The study concluded that Muscle Energy Technique is more effective in improving range of motion, strength of quadriceps muscles and reducing pain in knee joint.

Keywords: Knee joint stiffness, Visual Analogue Scale, Range of motion, Goniometer, Manual Muscle Testing, Muscle Energy Technique

Received on 11th January 2019, Revised on 15th February 2019, Accepted on 27th February 2019

INTRODUCTION

Knee joint stiffness is one of the commonest complications in patients who have fractures in the femur and upper tibia finding difficulty in locomotion. Stiffness or restricted range of motion of a joint caused by both soft tissue tightness and intra articular adhesions ¹ . Previously the stiffness due to muscle spasm treated with hot packs and active mobilization techniques. Currently muscle energy techniques have implemented along with routine had better prognosis. Soft tissue tightness caused by painful spasm that result in decreased mobility and desire to move the joint affecting normal range of motion to the joint ² . Most of the joint restriction is the result of muscular shortening and tightness. Shortening of muscles due to spasm seems to be a self perpetuating phenomenon which results from an overreaction of the gamma neuron system³. Muscle energy techniques is one such approach which targets the soft tissues primarily although it also makes a major contribution towards joint mobilization, muscle energy techniques otherwise called active muscular relaxation techniques ^{4, 5} .

The main purpose of this study is how far the muscle energy techniques are effective in normalizing muscle spasm and improving strength and keep the normal range of motion compared with the other routine treatment for joint stiffness. Objectives: To study the effectiveness of standard treatments for post operative knee stiffness, to study the effectiveness of standard treatments with muscle energy techniques for post operative knee joint stiffness and also to compare the effects between standard treatment and standard treatment along with muscle energy techniques to find out the significance of muscle energy techniques.

MATERIALS AND METHODOLOGY

Design: A pretest, post test control group design was used for this study. Sampling method: Thirty patients attending the orthopedic physical therapy outpatient department of Sri Gokulam hospitals were selected for this study that had consideration of the following criteria. Inclusion criteria: Irrespective of gender aged between 20-50 years, patients referred by an orthopaedic surgeon for physiotherapy those who had fractures at femoral shaft and upper tibia. Fracture shaft of femur managed surgically by an open reduction with closed interlocking nailing, plate and screw fixation.

Fracture at intercondylar region of tibia managed by an open reduction with plate and screw fixation. Exclusion criteria: Arthritis at knee joint (OA and RA), Osteoporosis (brittle bone disease), Bone infections(osteomyelitis), Osteochondritis dissicans (loose bodies), Traumatic effusion, Bone tumors, Fractures with closed reductions, Chondromalacia patella, Traumatic synovitis, Un co-operative psychiatric patients were excluded from the study. Sample allocation: Informed consent was obtained from subjects meeting inclusion criteria were divided into two groups A and B with fifteen patients in each group, based on odd even allocation. Patients in group-A (Experimental) received wax therapy, static quadriceps exercise, active assisted mobilization and muscle energy techniques.

Patients in group-B (control) who received only wax therapy and static quadriceps exercise and active assisted knee mobilization. Materials: Wax bath unit, temperature controlled by automatic thermostat maintaining optimum temperature of 42–44 degree Celsius. Goniometer plastic half circle (180 degree) used to measure both active knee flexion range of motion. Outcome parameters: Pain measured by visual analogue scale, which was popularized by Huskisson in the 1970 s, consist of a straight line, 10cm ling, that represents the range of pain to be rated. The scale on one end marked 0 represents “no pain” the other end marked 10 represents “severe pain” the patients were asked to mark on the scale according to the amount of pain perceived. Range of motion by a Universal Goniometer plastic half circle (180 degree) used to measure active knee flexion range of motion. Muscle strength by manual muscle testing was developed by Wright and Lovett in 1912 as a means of testing and grading muscle strength based on gravity and manually applied resistance. Generally the patient is positioned so that the muscle or muscle group being tested has to hold or move against the resistance of gravity. If this is well tolerated, the examiner applies manual resistance gradually to the distal end of the body part in which the muscle inserts, and in a direction opposite to the torque produced by muscle or muscle groups. Kendall et.al., suggest to measuring manual muscle testing grades from a 0 to 10 scale ^{6, 7} .

Measurement tools: Visual analogue scale, Goniometer plastic half circle(180 degree), Manual muscle testing grading. Procedure: Patients in each group underwent an initial evaluation procedure and the following measurements were done.

Measurement of pain: Baseline measurement of pain was taken using visual analogue scale and subsequent measurements were taken on the fourth and seventh day after therapy.

Measurement of knee range of motion: The available active knee flexion range of motion was measured initially and subsequent measurements were taken on fourth and seventh day after therapy. Knee motions both active flexion measured by positioning the patient in prone lying and the femur was stabilized to prevent rotation abduction and adduction at the hip.

Fulcrum of the Goniometer placed over the lateral condyle of the femur, stable arm over the lateral midline of the femur and moveable arm over the lateral midline of the fibula using the lateral malleolus and fibular head for reference ^{10, 11} .

Measurement of strength: The initial strength of both quadriceps and hamstrings was measured on day one and subsequent measurement was taken on day four and seven after treatment by using manual muscle testing grades described by “kendall et.al.,” 0 to 10 scale.

Intervention:

Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): MET methods all employ variations on a basic theme. This primarily involves the use of the patients own muscular efforts in one of the number of ways usually in association with the efforts of the therapist. The operator force may exactly match the effort of the patient (so producing an isometric contraction) allowing no movement to occur and producing as a result a physiological neurological response (via the Golgi tendon organs) involving a combination of Reciprocal inhibition of the antagonists of the muscles being contracted. Types of muscle energy Post isometric relaxation:

The patient is positioned in prone lying and the therapist standing at the side of the couch the patient knee is flexed until the initial barrier or resistance palpated, the operator hand is placed on the ankle the patient is instructed “press your leg gentoly against my hand”. This contraction is held for a full three to five seconds. Direct the patient to relax, simultaneously ceasing your counter force, wait two seconds for the tissue to relax, then further flex the knee until a new restriction barrier is met. This maneuver is repeated three to five times ⁸ .

Reciprocal inhibition: The patient is positioned in prone lying and operator standing at the side of the couch hold one hand at the ankle behind ask the patient to press the ankle against the operator hand maintain the contraction for a full period of 3 to 5 seconds. Then direct the patient to relax simultaneously ceasing your counter force, waiting for 2 seconds to relax the tissues then further flex the knee until a new barrier is met again this maneuver repeated for three to five times ⁹ .

Wax bath: The most widely used method of application for the extremity joints is “dip and wrap” method. The nature of wax treatment is explained and area to be treated is checked for contraindications the temperature of the wax also checked the treatment part is washed and thoroughly dried to prevent water being introduced in the wax bath. A patient is positioned to be able to wrap the part in wax in a convenient and comfortable way. The bandages of suitable size and mesh can be soaked in hot wax and then wrapped around the joint; the additional wax can then be brushed over the bandages. There are six to twelve wrappings used alternatively ^{12, 13} .

Static isometric exercise for the knee: Three methods which may be used to obtain this contraction. The contraction is taught on the unaffected leg and is seen and felt by the patient who then attempts a similar contraction on the other side. In lying one hand gives compression on the sole of the foot and resists plantar flexion strongly while the other hand placed under the knee joint. The therapist put one hand on the muscles and the other under the patients heel the patient is then asked to feel the pressure and attempt to relive it by lifting the leg. No movement takes place but the muscles are thrown into a state of strong contraction. Active Assisted Knee Mobilization: Active assisted knee mobilization performed either the assistance given by the therapist or by the patient himself. Position the patient in supine lying, instructs the patient to initiate the motion by lifting up the involved knee with the normal foot. Another method is to position the patient in high sitting, asks the patient to bend his knee maximum the effort of the patient can be assisted by the therapist or by the patients opposite leg.

RESULT

Independent t test is used to comparing Post Test Vas Values Of Group A and Group B. On day 4 the post test VAS value of group A is 4.6 and group B is 5.8. the calculated t value is (10.18) is greater than the table value (t=2.048) at 5% level of significance for two-tailed test, showing that there is a significant difference between two groups, reject the null hypothesis. On day 7 the mean post test VAS value of group A is 2.2 and group B is 4.4. the calculated t value is (11.66) is greater than the table value (t=2.048) at 5% level of significance for twotailed test, showing that there is a significant difference between the two groups, reject the null hypothesis ^{14, 15} .

Dependent t test is used to comparing initial, day 4 and day7 vas values of Group A. The mean pre test VAS value is 6.8 and post test values are 2.2 and 4.6. Calculated t values are (20.9) & (35.88) is greater than the table value (t=2.145) at 5% level of significance for twotailed test, showing that there is a significant difference between the values. Dependent t test is used to comparing initial, day 4 and day 7 vas values within the Group B. The mean pre test VAS value is 6.9 and post test values are 1.1 and 2.5. Calculated t values are (16.5) & (19.5) is greater than the table value (t =2.145) at 5% level of significance for two-tailed test, showing that there is a significant difference between the values.

Independent t test is used to comparing post test active knee flexion values of Group-A and Group-B. On day 4 post test mean active knee flexion of group-A is 78 and group-B is 63.3. Calculated t value (4.831) is greater than the table value (t=2.048) at 5% level of significance for two-tailed test, showing that there is asignificant difference between two groups reject the null hypothesis. On day 7 post test mean active knee flexion of group-A is 103 and group-B is 78. Calculated t value (8.515) is greater than the table value (t=2.048) at 5% level of significance for two-tailed test showing that there is a significant difference between two groups reject the null hypothesis. Dependent t test is used compare initial, day 4 and day 7 values of Group-A. The mean pre test active knee flexion value is 56.3 and post test values are 21.7 and 46.7. Calculated t values are (16.15) & (27.2) is greater than the table value (t=2.145) at 5% level of significance for two-tailed test, showing that there is a significant difference between the values.

Dependent t test is used to comparing initial, day 4 and day 7 values of Group-B. The mean pre test active knee flexion value is 50.3 and post test values are 13.3 and 27.7.Calculated t values are (11.4) & (18.045) is greater than the table value (t=2.145) at 5% level of significance for two-tailed test, showing that there is a significant difference between the values. Independent t test is comparing post test quadriceps strength values of Group-A and Group-B. On day 4 post test mean of quadriceps strength of group-A is 5.8 and group-B is 4.9. Calculated t value (16.11) is greater than the table value (t=2.048) at 5% leve of significance for two-tailed test, showing that there is a significant difference between two groups reject the null hypothesis. On day 7 post test mean of quadriceps strength of group-A is 7.7 and group-B is 6.2. Calculated t value (6.0) is greater than the table value (t=2.048) at 5% level of significance for twotailed test, showing that there is a significant difference between two groups.

Dependent t test is used to compare initial, day 4 and day 7 values of Group-A. The mean pre test quadriceps strength value is 3.9 and post test values are 1.9 and 3.8. Calculated t values are (12.35) & (20.6) is greater than the table value (t=2.145) at 5% level of significance for two-tailed test, showing that there is a significant difference between the values. Dependent t test is used to compare initial, day 4 and day 7 values of Group-B. The mean pre test quadriceps strength value is 3.7 and post test values are 1.2 and 2.5. Calculated t values are (14.3) & (19.5) greater than the table value (t=2.145) at 5% level of significance for twotailed test, showing that there is a significant difference between the values.

Independent t test used to compare post test hamstring strength values of Group-A and Group-B. On day 4 post test mean of hamstring strength of group-A is 6.3 and group-B is 5.2.Calculated t value (5.714) is greater than the table value (t=2.048) at 5% level of significance for two-tailed test, showing that there is a significant difference between the two groups reject the null hypothesis.

On day 7 post test mean of hamstring strength of groupA is 8 and group-B is 6.4, Calculated t value (t=7.222) is greater than the table value (t=2.048) at 5% level of significance for twotailed test, showing that there is a significant difference between two groups. Dependent t test is used to comparing initial, day 4 and day 7 values of Group-A.the mean pre test hamstring strength value is 4.3 and post test mean values are 2 and 3.7. calculated t values are (26.0) & (24.45) greater than the table value (t=2.145) at 5% level of significance for two-tailed test, showing that there is a significant difference between the values.

Dependent t test is used to compare initial, day 4 and day 7 values of Group-B. The mean pre test hamstring strength value is 4 and post test values are 1.2 and 2.4. Calculated t values are (11.7) & (18.72) greater than the table value (t=2.145) at 5% level of significance for twotailed test, showing that there is a significance between the values.

DISCUSSION

Analysis of mean change in pain, active knee flexion and mean strength changes of both quadriceps and hamstrings revealed that there is significant difference between group-A who received muscle energy technique, wax bath, static quadriceps exercises and active assisted mobilization exercises, when compared with the group-B who received wax bath, static quadriceps exercises and active assisted mobilization exercises. Results obtained after analysis shows that there is decrease in pain score and increase active knee flexion, increase muscle strength respectively, which is statistically significant in post operative fracture stiffness patients who received muscle energy techniques when compared with the control group at the end of day 4 and day 7.

This permits rejection of null hypothesis. Analysis of results between pretest and post test values of experimental group shows that there is improvement in pain score, active knee flexion, and quadriceps, hamstrings strength following muscle energy techniques at the end of day 4 and day 7. Analysis of results between pretest and post test values of control group shows that there is significant improvement in pain score, active knee flexion and muscle strength following standard treatment at the end of day4 and day7. Hence the post analysis of results shows the superiority of muscle energy techniques along with standard treatment to reduce pain and increase range of motion and muscle strength. The better result in experimental group could be due to the muscle energy techniques decrease muscular spasm, reduce muscular shortening, prevents inter fiber adhesions influences the greater reduction of pain, increase range of motion, isometric exercise nature of this technique at various angle of restriction increase strength throughout the range of motion ^{16, 17}.

Reason for decrease of pain and increase of range of motion, strength of muscle by muscle energy techniques: The most important causative factor for limiting joint range of motion after an injury is muscular shortening due to muscle spasm (Bourdilon, 1982).The restriction which takes place as a result of tight, shortened muscles usually accompanied by some degree of lengthening and weakness of antagonist, muscle energy technique targets these muscle tissues to promote relaxation, increase circulation, affecting Gamma motor neuron system in order to reduce pain and spasm ¹⁸.

In muscle energy technique a combination of both Post isometric relaxation and Reciprocal inhibition can effectively be employed to lengthen the shortened tissues and to strengthen the weak overlong muscles. When a muscle is isometrically contracted its antagonist will be inhibited and relaxed, similarly the agonist or shortened muscle also inhibited to achieve a degree of ease and additional movement of the shortened tissue ¹⁹ .

CONCLUSION

The study concluded that the standard treatment and standard treatment along with muscle energy technique both have an effect to reduce pain, increase range of motion, and strength of muscle after post immobilization fracture stiffness. The study also concluded that the Muscle energy technique was producing greater improvement in gaining range of motion and strength of muscles than other standard treatments.

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Citation:

Moorthy A, Jibi Paul, G Muthuraj (2019). Effects of muscle energy techniques on knee joint mobilization in an early stage following fracture shaft of femur and upper tibia , ijmaes, 5(1), 518-525.