A comparative study to find the effectiveness of weight bearing exercises on stable platform versus wobble board, to improve balance and functional outcome of individuals with knee osteoarthritis

Abstract

Introduction and Aim: Knee osteoarthritis is a common degenerative disease, with its prevalence increasing with age and with multifactorial aetiology. It is a common cause of disability worldwide. Aim of the study is to compare the effect of weight bearing exercises on wobble board and stable platform in improving balance and functional outcome by the pre and post analysis.
 Materials and Methods: Experimental study was conducted in Saveetha hospital, Chennai. Forty subjects including both males and females diagnosed with osteoarthritis knee within the age of 40 to 70 years were recruited and divided into two groups with 20 subjects in each group (Group A- 20 subjects, Group B- 20 subjects). Group A was given weight bearing exercises on wobble board along with interferential therapy, in 4 sets with 6 repetitions in each set and a rest interval of one minute between each set, 15 minutes per session, 3 days/week for 4 weeks and Group B was given weight bearing exercises on stable platform along with interferential therapy in 4 sets with 6 repetitions in each set and a rest interval of one minute between each set, 15 minutes per session, 3 days/week for 4 weeks.
 Results: At the end of the study, data was analysed and there was improvement in balance and functional outcome.
 Conclusion: This study concluded that patients with knee osteoarthritis had improvement in balance and functional outcome through weight bearing exercises given on wobble board along with interferential therapy compared to the patients who were given weight-bearing exercises on stable platform along with interferential therapy.
 Keywords: Osteoarthritis; wobble board; stable platform; interferential therapy.