Evaluation of proprioception, balance and pain change in patients with gonarthrosis before and after conservative physiotherapy methods in premenopausal and postmenopausal period

Aim: To evaluate the effects of physical therapy methods which implied to gonarthrosis patients in premenopausal and postmenopausal periods on pain, balance and proprioception and to compare the responses of patients in different age groups to treatment. Material and method: The study conducted in Inonu University Faculty of Medicine Anatomy Department and Malatya Training and Research Hospital FTR department. There was 27 participants at 40-44 age group and 30 participants at the 45-49 age group in the premenopausal period, 26 participants at the 50-54 age group, 27 participants at the 55-59 group in the postmenopausal period. Anthropometric measurements, exercise and electrotherapy were performed to the participants. Pain, balance, functional competence and quality of life were evaluated by measuring VAS, OLST, WOMAC and proprioception before and after treatment. Pearson chi-square test, Wilcoxon test, Dependent sample t-test, Kruskal Wallis test, One Way Variance test were used in statistical analyzes. Tukey test and Conover test were used in multiple comparisons. Results: All variables measured after treatment in patients in the pre- and post-menopausal age groups were statistically significant compared to pre-treatment. There is a statistically significant age-related difference in the VAS, OLST, WOMAC scores of the variables between age groups. There is no statistically significant difference in proprioception values between age group and somatotypes with age groups. Conclusion: Exercise and electrotherapy treatment performed in all age groups before and after menopause is an effective treatment protocol in reducing pain, increasing balance, proprioception and quality of life, especially in early ages. Keywords: Gonarthrosis, Osteoarthritis, Proprioception, Conservative Physical Therapy, Menopause, Somatotype