Investigation of the effects of aerobic exercises and video game-based exercises on pain, functional capacity and balance in knee osteoarthritis

Deniz Pala, Investigation of the Effect of Aerobic Exercises and Video Game-Based Exercises on Pain, Functional Capacity and Balance in Knee Osteoarthritis, Hasan Kalyoncu University Graduate School of Postgraduate Education, Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Master's Thesis, Gaziantep 2024. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of video game-based exercise, aerobic exercises and conservative treatment on pain, functional capacity and balance in patients with knee osteoarthritis. The study included 38 patients aged between 39-65 years. Patients were divided into three groups as game group (n=13), aerobic group (n=13) and conservative treatment group (n=12). The game group received Cabela's Adventure Camp; Biking game on X-box kinect device and classical physiotherapy, the aerobic group received stationary bicycle and classical physiotherapy and the conservative group received classical physiotherapy. Mcgill pain questionnaire short form, WOMAC questionnaire, International physical activity questionnaire (IPAQ), 6-minute walk test (6MWT), Timed get up and walk (TUGWT), hand dynamometer and Y balance test were evaluated at the beginning and end of the study. The groups were enrolled in a rehabilitation program for 8 weeks / 3 days. Pain improved in the groups and was not superior to each other (p>0.05). Functional capacities improved in the aerobic group compared to the control group (p<0.05) but there was no difference between the play group (p>0.05). Dynamic balance improved in the game group compared to the control group (p<0.05). However, there was no difference with the aerobic group (p>0.05). Three groups are effective for pain in knee osteoarthritis. Aerobic exercises may be preferred to increase functional capacity and video game-based exercises may be preferred to increase balance. Video game-based exercises can be used in rehabilitation programs as a supportive treatment method to increase pain, functional capacity and balance in patients with knee osteoarthritis.