About this trial
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a non-inflammatory degenerative disease characterized by progressive deterioration of cartilage tissue, synovial membrane, and joint capsule, primarily affecting weight-bearing joints. Individuals with knee osteoarthritis exhibit weakness in the trunk and periarticular muscles. This loss of strength in the trunk and periarticular muscles increases the load on the joint, contributing to the development and progression of the disease. This study aimed to investigate the effects of core stabilization, applied in addition to knee muscle exercise programs, on clinical symptoms and functional capacity in individuals with knee osteoarthritis.
Eligibility criteria
This trial does not accept healthy volunteersQualifiers
Kellgren-Lawrence 2-3 knee osteoarthritis
Female patient aged 40-65
Volunteer
Disqualifiers
Having received physical therapy within the last month
Presence of neurological, cardiac, and respiratory problems
Less than 90 degrees of flexion in the knee and hip joints
Presence of any pathology in the lower extremity that may affect balance and function
Trial design
Parallel
Treatments tested in this trial
10 days of conventional physiotherapy (Hot Pack, TENS, Ultrasound) and 6 weeks of routine knee exercises
Other interventionFor 10 days, conventional physical therapy consisting of Hot Pack, TENS, Ultrasound, and routine knee strengthening exercises was applied in the hospital. These knee exercises were continued for four weeks after the hospital treatment period.
Six weeks of core stabilization exercises.
Other interventionFor six weeks, Warner et al. A core stabilization exercise protocol, as defined by was provided. This protocol included neutral spine position in hook position, activation of deep abdominal muscles, supine bridge, ipsilateral and contralateral limb movements in hook position, abdominal curl (sit-up), bridge (double and single leg), plank on knees, side plank on knees, clam exercise (without resistance), and modified 100 exercises. The exercises were performed 3 days a week, with 10 repetitions each.
Treatment groups
Trial outcomes
Primary outcomes
Sit Ups
Participants are positioned supine with knees flexed and hands crossed over their shoulders. Their feet are held in place by the researcher, and the individual is asked to perform trunk flexion. The number of repetitions completed within 30 seconds is recorded.
Modified Push-Up
Participants lie face down on an exercise mat with their knees flexed. They are asked to lift their head, torso, and hips off the ground, placing their hands on the floor and extending their elbows, so that they form a straight line. The number of complete repetitions the participant performs while maintaining this straight line within 30 seconds is recorded.
Core Endurance Tests
Core endurance is determined by core endurance tests (right and left lateral bridge test, trunk extension test, trunk flexion test), as defined by McGgill, and the prone bridge test.
Secondary outcomes
30-Second Sit-Stand Test
Used to assess lower extremity muscle strength. The participant sits in the middle of a chair with no armrests, back support, and a seat height of 44 cm, with their arms crossed at chest level. Upon the command "Start," the participant is asked to fully stand up and sit down as quickly as possible without losing their balance for 30 seconds. The number of complete sit-ups and stands within 30 seconds is recorded as a score.
Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC)
The index is a validated, multidimensional, patient-reported assessment tool used to evaluate pain, stiffness, and physical function in patients with knee osteoarthritis. The index consists of three subcategories and a total of 24 items: pain (5 questions; 0-20 points), stiffness (2 questions; 0-8 points), and physical function (17 questions; 0-68 points). Each item is worth 0-4 points. The total score ranges from 0 to 96. In all subcategories and the total score, higher scores indicate worse health status, while lower scores indicate better health status.
Single Leg Balance Test
Participants were asked to stand on one leg on a hard surface, ensuring that the unsupported leg did not touch the other leg and without using external support. The procedure was repeated three times for each participant, and the highest value obtained was used in the statistical analysis phase. The timer was started the moment the participant lifted the supporting leg; it was stopped when the balance was lost, when the unsupported leg touched the ground, or when external support was applied. This test was repeated on both the right and left sides.
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