Effects of Core Stabilization Exercises in Female Patients With Gonarthrosis

Official title

Randomized Controlled Study of the Effects of Core Stabilization Exercises in Addition to Knee Exercises in Female Patients With Gonarthrosis

Overview

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a non-inflammatory degenerative disease characterized by progressive deterioration of cartilage tissue, synovial membrane, and joint capsule, primarily affecting weight-bearing joints. Individuals with knee osteoarthritis exhibit weakness in the trunk and periarticular muscles. This loss of strength in the trunk and periarticular muscles increases the load on the joint, contributing to the development and progression of the disease. This study aimed to investigate the effects of core stabilization, applied in addition to knee muscle exercise programs, on clinical symptoms and functional capacity in individuals with knee osteoarthritis.

Detailed description

Osteoarthritis is the most common chronic joint disease and a leading cause of disability worldwide. It represents a significant public health and cost problem due to reduced work productivity and early retirement. OA is a non-inflammatory degenerative disease characterized by progressive deterioration of cartilage tissue, synovial membrane, and joint capsule, particularly in weight-bearing joints, along with a series of biochemical and morphological changes. While its etiology is not fully understood, it is considered a multifactorial disease involving a combination of systemic and regional factors. Increased bone density, joint laxity, and excessive mechanical loading are some of these factors. Symptoms of knee osteoarthritis include pain, joint stiffness, swelling, loss of function, and muscle weakness. Pain and joint stiffness in individuals negatively affect daily living activities such as climbing stairs, walking, and running, leading to decreased functionality. Current literature emphasizes that strong proximal trunk stabilization is needed for safe and effective completion of movements in the distal segments, and that weakness in this region is directly related to lower extremity pain. This study aimed to investigate the effects of core stabilization, applied in addition to an exercise program for the knee muscles, on clinical symptoms and functional capacity in individuals with knee osteoarthritis.

Interventions

• Other 10 days of conventional physiotherapy (Hot Pack, TENS, Ultrasound) and 6 weeks of routine knee exercises
  For 10 days, conventional physical therapy consisting of Hot Pack, TENS, Ultrasound, and routine knee strengthening exercises was applied in the hospital. These knee exercises were continued for four weeks after the hospital treatment period.
• Other Six weeks of core stabilization exercises.
  For six weeks, Warner et al. A core stabilization exercise protocol, as defined by was provided. This protocol included neutral spine position in hook position, activation of deep abdominal muscles, supine bridge, ipsilateral and contralateral limb movements in hook position, abdominal curl (sit-up), bridge (double and single leg), plank on knees, side plank on knees, clam exercise (without resistance), and modified 100 exercises. The exercises were performed 3 days a week, with 10 repetitions e

Primary outcome measures

• Sit Ups [Time frame: Baseline-6 weeks follow-up]
• Modified Push-Up [Time frame: Baseline-6 weeks follow-up]
• Core Endurance Tests [Time frame: Baseline-6 weeks follow-up]

Secondary outcome measures (3)

• 30-Second Sit-Stand Test [Time frame: Baseline-6 weeks follow-up]
• Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) [Time frame: Baseline-6 weeks follow-up]
• Single Leg Balance Test [Time frame: Baseline-6 weeks follow-up]

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion criteria

• Kellgren-Lawrence 2-3 knee osteoarthritis
• Female patient aged 40-65
• Volunteer

Exclusion criteria

• Having received physical therapy within the last month
• Presence of neurological, cardiac, and respiratory problems
• Less than 90 degrees of flexion in the knee and hip joints
• Presence of any pathology in the lower extremity that may affect balance and function
• History of lower extremity surgery
• Severe visual, hearing, and speech impairment
• Illiteracy in Turkish
• Body mass index of 30 or higher

Criteria are shown verbatim from the registry (in English). Final eligibility is always assessed by the study center.

Healthy volunteers: No

Study design

Allocation

Randomized

Model

Parallel assignment

Masking

Single blind

Primary purpose

Treatment

Study locations

Turkey (Türkiye) · 1 center

• Sivas Cumhuriyet University — Sivas

Identifiers

NCT: NCT07482332 · SCU-FTR-SB-08

Primary sources (government registries)

• ClinicalTrials.gov (US NIH)

View this study on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗