Premium
A novel self‐care biomechanical treatment for obese patients with knee osteoarthritis
Author(s) -
Lubovsky Omri,
Mor Amit,
Segal Ganit,
Atoun Ehud,
Debi Ronen,
Beer Yiftah,
Agar Gabriel,
Norman Doron,
Peled Eli,
Elbaz Avi
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
international journal of rheumatic diseases
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.795
H-Index - 41
eISSN - 1756-185X
pISSN - 1756-1841
DOI - 10.1111/1756-185x.12694
Subject(s) - medicine , womac , osteoarthritis , gait , physical therapy , gait analysis , body mass index , physical medicine and rehabilitation , knee pain , gait training , rehabilitation , alternative medicine , pathology
Aim To examine the effect of a novel biomechanical, home‐based, gait training device on gait patterns of obese individuals with knee OA. Methods This was a retrospective analysis of 105 (32 males, 73 females) obese (body mass index > 30 kg/m 2 ) subjects with knee OA who completed a 12‐month program using a biomechanical gait training device and performing specified exercises. They underwent a computerized gait test to characterize spatiotemporal parameters, and completed the Western Ontario and McMaster Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) questionnaire and Short Form‐36 (SF‐36) Health Survey. They were then fitted with biomechanical gait training devices and began a home‐based exercise program. Gait patterns and clinical symptoms were assessed after 3 and 12 months of therapy. Results Each gait parameter improved significantly at 3 months and more so at 12 months ( P = 0.03 overall). Gait velocity increased by 11.8% and by 16.1%, respectively. Single limb support of the more symptomatic knee increased by 2.5% and by 3.6%, respectively. There was a significant reduction in pain, stiffness and functional limitation at 3 months ( P < 0.001 for each) that further improved at 12 months. Pain decreased by 34.7% and by 45.7%, respectively. Functional limitation decreased by 35.0% and by 44.7%, respectively. Both the Physical and Mental Scales of the SF‐36 increased significantly ( P < 0.001) at 3 months and more so following 12 months. Conclusions Obese subjects with knee OA who complied with a home‐based exercise program using a biomechanical gait training device demonstrated a significant improvement in gait patterns and clinical symptoms after 3 months, followed by an additional improvement after 12 months.