Effects of biodex balance training on symptomatic knee osteoarthritis in Rawalpindi: A randomized control trial.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the effect of Biodex training on lower limb functional performance, balance, pain and proprioception in symptomatic knee osteoarthritis patients.

METHODS

The randomised controlled study was conducted at the Armed Forces Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine, Rawalpindi, Pakistan, from February to June 2018, and comprised patients of both genders aged 35-65 years with bilateral knee osteoarthritis. The patients were randomised using sealed envelope method into two equal control and experimental groups. The former received traditional exercise programme, while the latter received balance training on Biodex and traditional exercise programme. Assessment was done at baseline and post-intervention, and the two values were compared both intra-group and inter-group. Data was analysed using SPSS 21.

RESULTS

Of the 48 patients, there were 24(50%) in each of the two groups. Experimental group showed significant improvement in pain severity, overall stability and in terms of anteroposterior stability (p<0.05). There was significant improvement in both groups from the baseline (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Biodex balance training was found to be more effective in improving functional performance, stability, proprioception and in decreasing sway and pain compared to the traditional exercise programme.