The effects of sensorimotor training on knee proprioception and function for patients with knee osteoarthritis: a preliminary report

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the effects of a sensorimotor training programme in osteoarthritic patients. Design: Randomized, single-blind, controlled trial. Setting: Kinesiology laboratory at School of Physical Therapy. Participants: A total of 60 patients were randomly assigned to the training group and the control group. Only 29 patients (training group, 15; control group, 14) completed the study. Intervention: The training group underwent a sensorimotor training programme using a sling suspension system complemented by a routine physical therapy. The control group underwent a routine physical therapy. Main measures: Active joint repositioning, functional testings, and self-reported function with the Western Ontario & McMaster Universities Arthritis Index before and after the eight-week intervention. Results: There were significant differences between the two groups with respect to the improvement in proprioception as measured by active joint repositioning (the changes in the absolute error were 1.9± 1.7°, training group versus 0.1 ± 2.8°, control group (P<0.05), and in self-reported functional difficulty (33.2 ±35.1, training group versus 8.0± 10.2, control group; P<0.05)). There was no significant difference between the two groups in other outcomes. Conclusion: A sensorimotor training using a sling suspension system improved the patients' proprioception in the knee joints and their self-reported function. Thus, these exercises may serve as an exercise programme for patients with knee osteoarthritis.