Comparison of the Effects of Static and PNF Hamstring Stretching Exercises in Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis

A total of 36 patients between the ages of 40 and 75 who were diagnosed with Kellgren-Lawrence Stage II and III knee OA by the physician were included in the study. Participants were divided into two groups as static stretching group or PNF stretching group. Patients' demographic and clinical information was recorded. Pain intensity was evaluated with visual pain scale, hamstring flexibility with Active Knee Extension Test, functional status with Western Ontario and McMasters University Osteoarthritis Index and Timed Get Up and Go Test. In addition to the standard physiotherapy program, the subjects practiced stretching exercises according to the groups that they've been separated. Evaluations were repeated in the end of the treatment and in the follow-up.

Inclusion criteria

• Individuals with knee osteoarthritis severity II, III, or IV according to the Kellgren-Lawrence Classification,
• Individuals with positive active knee extension test,
• Individuals with a body mass index of 30 or less,
• Individuals with a pain severity of at least 3/10 according to the visual pain scale.

Exclusion criteria

• Individuals with health problems that prevent them from doing the evaluations and exercises to be used in the study,
• Individuals who exercise regularly for the last six months,
• Individuals with a diagnosis of neurological disease affecting the lower extremity.