Effect of Isometric Strengthening Exercise Combined with Interferential Current on Pain among Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis: Experimental Study

Abstract

Background: Osteoarthritis, a degenerative disease, is the gradual breakdown of the articular cartilage in the joint.
Knee osteoarthritis is more prevalent in women than men which causes pain and discomforts. The intention of this
study is to find out the effect of isometric strengthening exercises combined with interferential therapy on pain in
patients with knee osteoarthritis.
Purpose: To find out the effect of isometric strengthening exercises combined with interferential therapy in the
management of knee osteoarthritis patients.
Materials and Methods: Thirty individuals aged above 45 years of both genders with mild or moderate osteoarthritis
participated in the study. The individuals were assigned in single groups. They received interferential therapy
and performed isometric strengthening exercises for 4 weeks. Pain, Active range of motion (AROM), Passive
range of motion (PROM) and functional state of the subjects were evaluated by Numerical Pain Rating Scale
(NPRS), universal goniometer and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC),
respectively. The entire process was performed from November 2022 to March 2023.
Result: The interventional group showed a considerable difference in each criterion (NPRS, AROM, PROM, and
WOMAC). Isometric exercise and IFT was found to be effective in reducing pain in knee osteoarthritis.
Conclusion: At the commencement of the four-week intervention plan, isometric exercise and interferential
therapy showed a marked outcome on pain and functional state of subjects with osteoarthritis in the knee.