Evaluation of the efficacy of an exercise program for knee osteoarthritis

Introduction: Osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee is a chronic disease characterized by pain due to a degenerative process suffered by the joints and affects a large number of patients. There are several treatment schemes that improve the symptoms and quality of life of those affected. Objective: to evaluate the effectiveness of a kinesiological treatment program in patients with knee OA. Materials and methods: a prospective, randomized, longitudinal study was carried out to test the effectiveness of a physical exercise program associated with conventional treatment in patients with knee OA. The sample consisted of 84 patients in each group, who were referred to the Rehabilitation Service of Policlínico Cerro between March 2017 and December 2018 and who met the inclusion criteria. The study group received conventional treatment plus a kinesiological program at the rehabilitation service, which was continued at home, while the control group only received conventional treatment. Results: knee OA was predominant in women and the mean age was 68 years. The control group had an evolution towards improvement in 19.1% of the patients, while in the study group the evolution was between good and excellent in 85.7% of the cases. Conclusions: most of the rehabilitated patients achieved improvement, but this was more evident in the study group, which demonstrated the benefits and efficacy of the individualized rehabilitation program used.