Comparison of otago exercises and home exercise programs with physiotherapist in addition to classical physiotherapy applications for gonartrose

Objective: In this study, we aimed to determine and compare the effects of home exercise programs and otago exercises on pain, functional capacity and quality of life in addition to physical therapy modalities in patients with primary gonartrose. Method: 60 patients who were admitted to the Specialists Medical Center Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Polyclinic and diagnosed with Knee OA according to the ACR criteria were included. 60 patients who met the inclusion criteria during the study were divided into two groups as 30 Home Exercise Programs and 30 Otago Exercises using simple randomization: Classical physical therapy modalities and an isometric exercise program were applied to the 30 patients in the I. group; Classical physical therapy modalities and otago exercises were applied to the 30 patients in the II. group. Patients were evaluated according to Knee OA indices such as WOMAC, Le Quesne and to SF-36 quality of life parameters before and after the treatment and the 2. month following the treatment. Results: Pain, functional capacity, WOMAC and Lequesne indices improved significantly in both treatment groups; there was a significant difference between the groups in favor of the otago group. In the assessment of life quality, SF-36 Physical Functionality Scale, Role Limitations Due to Physical Health, Emotional Well-Being Scale, Social Functionality Status Scale, Pain Status, General Health Status scores were significantly improved in both groups; there were no significant improvements in Emotional Problems Role Limits, Energy scores in both groups. Conclusion: It shows that the otago exercises given in addition to the classical physical therapy modalities provide better results than the results obtained from the home exercise program. However, the limited number of studies in this field does not allow a comparison with the findings obtained. Therefore, there is a need for the findings of studies that address the effect of otago exercises from different perspectives in the treatment of gonarthrosis. The effect of this method, which provides significant savings due to its practical application, in gonarthrosis treatment should be comprehensively revealed. It should be determined by comparative studies that this method, which is frequently used in routine treatments, will be more beneficial with the treatment modalities in the light of scientific findings.