Abstract
Introduction. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis affecting the global population, representing 69.7% of all cases, with the knee being the third most affected joint by osteoarthritis. Hip osteoarthritis has a higher prevalence in the elderly, being a significant cause of disability. Studies estimate a 25% risk of developing hip osteoarthritis in individuals with a life expectancy of 85 years. Physical therapy is the primary treatment method for both knee and hip osteoarthritis. It is effective at every stage of the disease, but its effectiveness decreases with the worsening of the pathology.
Aim. This study aims to highlight the effectiveness of a physical therapy program in the rehabilitation of patients with hip and knee osteoarthritis.
Material and Method. The study was conducted between 7.02.2022 - 19.05.2022 at the "Psiho Neuro Mag" Clinic in Oradea, on a group of 10 subjects with an average age of 58 ± 13.367 years, diagnosed with both hip osteoarthritis and knee osteoarthritis. The assessment of patients involved the evaluation of joint mobility (using a goniometer), muscle strength, and pain (VAS scale), conducted at the beginning and the end of the treatment. Additionally, patients’ quality of life was assessed using the OAKHQOL questionnaire at the start of the research and the end of it, after 3 months. The treatment program consisted of combined physical therapy with electrotherapy and massage.
Results. Following the application of the physical therapy program, it was proven to be effective in increasing hip mobility in all planes and improving knee mobility in flexion, as well as enhancing the strength of flexors, extensors, abductors, and internal rotators of the hip in the subjects under study. Moreover, the applied physical therapy program effectively reduced pain intensity and improved the quality of life, with a positive but statistically insignificant correlation between pain intensity and quality of life, in the sense that as pain intensity decreases, the life quality assessment questionnaire score also decreases.