Effect of Retrowalking, a Non-Pharmacological Treatment on Pain, Disability, Balance and Gait in Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Knee osteoarthritis is a common condition in various orthopedic clinics and hospitals. Degenerative changes occur in the cartilage covering the articular surfaces of the joints leading to pain, crepitus, stiffness, limitation of movement and deformity. The purpose of the study was to examine the effect of treadmill retrowalking in patients suffering from knee osteoarthritis. Patients with age more than 40 years diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis by an orthopedician referred to or visiting the O.P.D, Department of Physiotherapy, Guru Jambheshwar University of Science & Technology, Hisar were assessed. Forty two eligible patients were randomly allocated to conventional group and retrowalking group. The conventional group received range of motion exercises, strengthening exercises, stretching and flexibility exercises. The patients in the retrowalking group underwent treadmill retrowalking in addition to conventional exercises. Both the interventions were given thrice weekly for six weeks. The data analysis was done using SPSS 16.0. Independent and dependent t-test was used to compare between and within group differences. Comparison of mean scores of conventional and retrowalking group showed statistically significant differences for all the variables. The study concludes that retrowalking when given along conventional exercise program alleviates pain, decreases disability, enhances balance and gait performance by improving step and stride length, increases cadence and walking speed in knee osteoarthritis patients.