Effects of neuromuscular exercises training on physical activity, functuonality and balance in knee osteoartrithis

The Effects of Neuromuscular Exercises Training on Physical Activity, Functionality and Balance in Knee Osteoartrithis Aim: The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of neuromuscular exercises training on physical activity, functionality and balance in knee osteoartrithis patients who between 35- 65 years. Material and Method: Sixty patients between 35-65 years with knee osteoartrithis were included this study. The sample of the study was selected by the nonprobability random sampling method. Patients were randomly assigned to two groups: experimental and control. The experimental group performed classical physiotheraphy and neuromuscular exercises; the control group performed classical physiotheraphy and conventional knee exercises. Exercises for both sides six times, one set, ten repeat weekly for six week under supervision of physiotherapist and then for both sides six times, 2 set, 10 repeat as had given home exercises program. Patiens were evaluated muscle strength (manuel muscle test), pain (VAS), functionality (WOMAC, 2000 IKDC), phsical activity (IPAQ short form), balance (Y balance test) values before and after treatment program. Results: Measurements at 6 weeks in our study showed significant improvement in physical activity, functional, balance, muscle strength and pain in both groups (p< 0.05). Although balance and physical functionality evaluate were significantly improve in both groups, experimental group values is higher than control groups. Conclusion: In conclusion, we found that classical physiotherapy was effective in the treatment of patients with knee osteoarthritis; however, neuromuscular exercises training in addition to classical physiotherapy was found to be more effective on pain, physical activity, functionality, balance. Key Words: Neuromuscular exercises, physical activity, balance, osteoartrithis, proprioception