Comparison of intermittent compression-decompression with glides and conventional physical therapy protocol for knee osteoarthritis

• Published in: Journal of Shifa Tameer-e-Millat University Vol. 7; no. 1; pp. 14 - 19
• Main Authors: Tariq, Jamal, Younis, Ateeqa, Iqbal, Muhammad Affan, Malik, Nimra, Tariq, Bakhtawar, Khan, Abdul Basit
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 02.08.2024
• ISSN: 2617-8095; 2617-8109
• DOI: 10.32593/jstmu/Vol7.Iss1.277

Introduction: Osteoarthritis (OA) is among the most prevalent types of arthritis and a fundamental cause of disability in people around the globe. Elderly population particularly females over the age of 65 years, patients with uncontrolled obesity have the highest risk of developing OA. To compare the effects of intermittent compression-decompression with glides and conventional physical therapy on pain, range of motion, and functional status in knee osteoarthritis. Methodology: A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 60 participants having knee Osteoarthritis. The subjects were randomly allocated to Group A (intermittent compression-decompression with glides), Group B (conventional physical therapy), and Group C (intermittent compression-decompression with glides and conventional physical therapy) using a lottery method. The treatment was provided for 3 days per week alternatively and continued for 4 weeks. The assessment was done at the baseline and post-12th treatment day using NPRS, range of motion, WOMAC scale, and KOOS scale as outcome measures. Results: Based on the results attained through the Kruskal Wallis test, there was a statistically significant effect (p<0.05) on scores of NPRS, Flexion, WOMAC, and KOOS, while extension showed no superlative effects after the application of the novel technique. More significant results were obtained in Group C (p<0.05) as compared to Groups A and B respectively. Conclusion The application of compression and decompression with glides supplemented with conventional treatment protocol resulted in a massive reduction in pain and related symptoms, and improvement in range of motion with enhanced functional proficiency of patients affected with knee osteoarthritis.