Evaluating the Efficacy of Kinesthesia, Balance, and Vestibulo-Postural Training in Knee Osteoarthritis Management

Abstract

Background: Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a common degenerative joint disease that causes pain, reduced mobility, and impaired quality of life. This study compares the efficacy of kinesthesia and balance exercises with isometric strengthening versus vestibulo-postural training using a bipodalic stabilometric platform with isometric strengthening in improving muscle strength and functional independence in knee OA patients. Methods: Thirty subjects with knee OA, aged between 30-60 years, were randomly assigned to two groups. Group 1 (n=15) received kinesthesia and balance exercises along with isometric strengthening exercises, while Group 2 (n=15) received vestibulo-postural training using a bipodalic stabilometric platform combined with isometric strengthening exercises. Both groups performed their respective exercise regimens three times a week for four weeks. Outcomes measured included quadriceps and hamstrings strength using the Manual Muscle Testing (MMT) grading system and functional independence using the Barthel Index score. Results: Group 2 demonstrated significantly greater improvements in quadriceps strength (mean change: 1.34 vs. 0.40; p < 0.001), hamstrings strength (mean change: 1.07 vs. 0.20; p < 0.001), and Barthel Index score (mean change: 20.54 vs. 5.5; p < 0.001) compared to Group 1. The between-group analysis confirmed that vestibulo-postural training with isometric strengthening was significantly more effective in enhancing muscle strength and functional independence in knee OA patients. Conclusion: Vestibulo-postural training using a bipodalic stabilometric platform combined with isometric strengthening exercises significantly improves muscle strength and functional independence in knee OA patients compared to kinesthesia and balance exercises with isometric strengthening. These findings highlight the importance of incorporating dynamic and challenging balance exercises into OA management strategies to optimize patient outcomes and enhance quality of life..