Comparing Effect of Strengthening Exercises Versus Faradic Stimulation in Knee Osteoarthritis: A Pilot Study

Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) may affect elderly people due to biomechanical changes and physiological changes like obesity and anatomical location.
Objective: This study aimed to compare between the effects of functional faradism versus isometric quadriceps strengthening program in reducing pain as well as improving functional limitation, quadriceps muscle strength and joint stiffness associated with knee osteoarthritis.
Method: The study included 6 patients divided into 2 equal groups. Group A participants received sessions of functional faradism conducted over 5 weeks. While, group B participants performed strengthening exercise program in the form of isometric quadriceps, straight leg raising, and isometric hip adduction exercise for 5 weeks.
Results:
Group A participants showed a significant improvement in Quadriceps muscle strength, joint function together with decreasing pain than participants of Group B.
Conclusion: A 5-week isometric quadriceps exercise program with faradic stimulation was beneficial in increasing quadriceps muscle strength while reducing pain and functional disability in patients with knee osteoarthritis.