Physical therapy in the multidisciplinary assessment and management of osteoarthritis.

As part of a multidisciplinary approach to the management of osteoarthritis, 77 patients with a mean age of 69 years were assessed by physical therapists. Goniometrics and strength evaluations of the shoulder, elbow, hip, and knee were performed at the initial and final assessment of this 12-week study. Biweekly gait evaluations consisted of timed free-speed walking over a 12-foot distance. Although the patients with osteoarthritis had joint pain with movement and limitations in joint range of motion and muscle strength, statistically significant improvements were obtained in a number of variables over the course of the study. The gait speed had a direct correlation with joint range of motion and muscle strength and an inverse correlation with pain.