The Effects of Traditional Strengthening Exercises versus Functional Task Training on Pain, Balance, Walking Speed and Functional Mobility in Osteoarthritis Knee”. Name of the Department: Faculty of Physiotherapy

Objectives: To investigate the efficacy of functional task training in decreasing pain, and increasing balance, walking speed & functional mobility in Osteoarthritis Knee. Study design: Comparative case control study. Methodology: Fifty individuals with a diagnosis of OA Knee were selected directly from Physiotherapy outpatient door of Jaipur Physiotherapy College, MVGU, Jaipur. These individuals were randomly assigned into two groups: FTT Group [Functional task Training (n = 25)] and TE Group [Traditional Exercise (n = 25)]. FTT Group Functional tasks included sit to stand box lift, standing star exercise, walking up and down a ramp while holding a weight ascending /descending stairs while holding a weight in the preferred hand, and walking indoors while passing a weighted ball from hand to hand. Subjects performed the exercises for one minute with (when indicated) a one-pound weight. Progressions included either an increase in weight or time to perform the activity. Subjects in the TE program performed four-way straight leg raises (4 way SLR), seated knee extension, wall slides, step ups, and ambulation on the treadmill. Two sets of ten repetitions were performed for each exercise. Weight repetition progression based on subject\'s tolerance. Subjects ambulated on the treadmill at their own pace for a period that did not exceed 15 minutes. Both the groups were given exercises supervised by physiotherapist on regular basis for 12 weeks. Data for measurements of Pain on VAS, Physical function on WOMAC score, Balance & mobility on BBS & TUG and walking speed on 20 meter walk test, was collected on day 1 (pretreatment session), at 6 weeks, and at week 12. Results: Results indicate that both groups improved in all measures of pain, Balance, walking speed and functional outcomes. However, upon Intergroup analysis the mean changes in the score of VAS, WOMAC, TUG, BBS & 20-meter walking time was highly significant across the two testing periods (at 6 week & 12 week) for the functional task training group (FTT) with respect to Traditional Exercise Group (TE). Conclusion: Functional task training on regular basis is an effective rehabilitation program for improving functional mobility, balance, walking speed and decreasing pain in OA Knee.