Using Gait Modification to Treat Knee Osteoarthritis in Saudi Arabia: Possibilities and Acceptability.

Since several different types of gait modifications have been studied, it has been challenging to determine which are most likely to be used by patients and healthcare professionals.

A notable number of Saudi Arabians suffer from knee osteoarthritis (KOA), which reported a 29.5% prevalence of KOA; another recent study reported a 24.5% prevalence of KOA among the elderly. A 2002 study found that 30.8% of those aged 46-55 and 60.6% aged 66-75 were affected. Thus, KOA is roughly equally distributed between genders and is more prevalent among elderly and overweight individuals, so policymakers should focus on raising awareness to prevent and treat affected individuals. The healthcare system in SA is publicly funded and accessible; 79% of patients use the public system, and the rest obtain private care. In most cases, private patients have insurance coverage. The public healthcare system has three primary, secondary, and tertiary care levels. Rehabilitation and gait modification investigations are not available at the primary level.

This snapshot of the literary review raises questions about the viability of the long-term use of learned/assistive gait modifications. The studies reported dissatisfaction with the gait modification approach but gave no reasons. Since most studies focus on results in a short time or a specific area, pre-training courses measuring acceptability and commitment can fill the gaps in previous studies. After determining the importance of gait modification, the question becomes, should it be integrated into the therapy strategy or other rehabilitative methods to increase the treatment's clinical efficacy? It is essential to understand the practices, views and expectations of KOA patients and health professionals concerning gait modifications.

Inclusion criteria

KOA Patient participants:

• Adults aged above 45 years old.
• Both Male & Female.
• Radiographically or KOA participants meet any diagnostic classification guidelines/criteria (American College of Rheumatology classification criteria) or any eligible diagnostic guidelines.
• Typical knee pain while walking > 3 on an 11-point scale (0-10) in at least one knee pain or tenderness, primarily in the medial knee.

Exclusion criteria

• Severe KOA subjects (on the waiting list for knee arthroplasty).
• Knee post-operation or corticosteroid intra-articular injection last 6 months.
• Inability to walk for longer than 20 minutes without experiencing severe pain.
• Painful treadmill walking or unable to walk without heavy assistance, such as a lifting belt or walker frame.
• Significant knee effusion, musculoskeletal or neurological diseases that influence gait parameters.
• It is presently undergoing physiotherapy treatment.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), gout, one or both knees replaced, low back pain, hip OA, any serious knee or lower limb injuries in the past 24 months.