A comparative study on the effectiveness of PNF stretching versus static stretching on Pain and Hamstring flexibility in osteoarthritis knee patients

Abstract

Osteoarthritis (OA) knee is a long-term chronic disease characterized by the destruction of articular cartilage and underlying bone. Pain, limitation of motion and functional impairment are common clinical features. Poor hamstring flexibility is a major problem for patients with OA knee. The stretching of the hamstring is a necessary intervention in the management of the OA knee. This study is therefore intended to compare the effectiveness of static stretching vs PNF stretching for pain, hamstring flexibility and functional mobility in OA Knee patients. 30 patients were randomly divided into two groups. Group A (N=15) received PNF stretching, wax therapy and isometric quadriceps exercises, and group B (N=15) received static stretching, wax therapy and isometric quadriceps exercises. The intensity of the pain was measured using the NPRS (Numerical Pain Rating Scale), hamstring flexibility by AKET (Active Knee Extension Test) and functional mobility by TUG (Timed up and Go) test. The results showed that significant differences in NPRS (Z=4.64, P=0.001), AKET (t=9.61, P=0.001) and TUG (t=8.19, P=0.001) were observed in group A patients when compared to group B. In conclusion, the PNF stretching treatment program is effective in reducing pain, improving hamstring flexibility and functional mobility in patients with OA knee compared to static stretching.