Gender Based Comparison of the Effects of Sensory Modulated Graded Weight Bearing Physiotherapy In Adults With Knee Osteoarthritis

Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a common degenerative joint disorder associated with pain, impaired physical function, reduced proprioception, decreased mobility, and poor quality of life. Physiotherapy plays a central role in the conservative management of KOA by reducing pain and improving functional performance. Sensory-Modulated Graded Weight-Bearing Physiotherapy (SMGWBP) integrates sensory stimulation with progressive weight-bearing exercises to enhance neuromuscular control, balance, proprioception, and functional recovery.

This comparative experimental study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of SMGWBP in individuals with Kellgren-Lawrence grade II or III knee osteoarthritis and to compare treatment outcomes between male and female participants. A total of 52 participants will be recruited through purposive sampling. All participants will receive a standardized 6-week physiotherapy program consisting of three supervised sessions per week.

Outcome assessments will be performed at three time points: baseline (pre-intervention), mid-intervention (3 weeks), and post-intervention (6 weeks). The primary and secondary outcome measures include pain intensity measured using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), physical function using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), proprioception using the Joint Position Sense (JPS) test, gait performance using the Six-Minute Walk Test (6MWT), health-related quality of life using the Short Form-36 (SF-36), and treatment compliance. The study will examine changes in these outcomes over time and compare the effectiveness of the intervention between male and female participants.

Inclusion criteria

• Participants are eligible for inclusion if they meet the following criteria:
• Age between 40 and 60 years.
• Diagnosed with Grade II or Grade III Knee Osteoarthritis according to Kellgren-Lawrence Classification.
• Ability to ambulate independently without assistive devices.
• Mild to moderate pain intensity with a Visual Analogue Scale score less than seven.
• Ability to understand and follow instructions.
• Willingness to participate and provide written informed consent. Exclusion Criteria
• Participants are excluded if they meet any of the following criteria:
• History of knee surgery within the previous six months.
• Neurological disorders affecting balance, gait, or proprioception.
• Severe cardiovascular disease limiting participation in exercise.
• Rheumatoid arthritis or other inflammatory arthritic conditions.
• Severe cognitive impairment.
• Any medical condition that contraindicates participation in rehabilitation exercises.