Effects of Therapeutic Exercises in Elderly Women With Knee Osteoarthritis

By isokinetic dynamometer HUMAC® NORM Testing & Rehabilitation System. It was rated the peak concentric muscle torque of knee extensors of both lower limbs at the speed of 120º/s. Patients were instructed to perform the knee extension at maximum amplitude pain-free permitted, then the maximum pain-free range in flexion. Movements of extension and flexion were performed five times for the participants to familiarize themselves with the procedure before the test. Then, five replicates were performed, and the highest amount recorded as peak muscle torque. All data were corrected by gravity. The values recorded in Newton-meters (Nm) were adjusted for body weight (kg) and presented as a percentage. For better analysis of peak concentric muscle torque of the knee extensors, the more symptomatic knee was assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS).

We used the Postural Stability Protocol, bipedal evaluation, eyes open eight resistance level and three repetitions of 20s with 10s rest. To mark the position of the feet, was adopted as the reference line of the heel and toe of the average tendon. The patient is positioned in front of a monitor containing a target and a cursor and Postural Stability protocol information. The therapist effected verbal command for the patient to keep a point at the center of the target, in which a lowest score (least deviation from the center) was desirable. The hand support or withdrawal of the platform legs was not allowed. Before the test, a simulation of the procedure was performed.

Was estimated by pain subscale of the questionnaire Western Ontario McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index and (WOMAC). This questionnaire consists of three domains: pain (5 questions), stiffness (2 questions) and functionality (17 questions), whose questions are answered by the volunteer about their perception in the last 72 hours. Higher scores indicate worse pain frame, rigidity or functionality. In our study, we used the score of the WOMAC pain questionnaire section. The items were evaluated levels: none, low, moderate, severe and very intense. For data analysis, the levels were calculated using a Likert 5-point scale: 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100.