Closed kinetic chain exercises therapy versus wii-based exergame therapy in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis: randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Objective: One of the most prevalent musculoskeletal conditions that impair function and cause discomfort is osteoarthritis in the knee. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of closed kinetic chain exercises and Wii-based exergame treatment on knee osteoarthritis (OA) patients’ pain, joint range of motion, muscle strength, joint position sense, functioning, and motor performance. Methods: This study included 56 patients diagnosed with knee OA. Participants were randomly divided into 2 groups: a Wii-based exercises (WBE) group and a closed kinetic chain exercise (CKCE) group. Exercises continued 5 days a week for 3 weeks. Participants were examined before the therapy, afterward, and in the eighth week. Pain threshold, joint range of motion, muscle strength, the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), the Timed Up & Go test (TUG), and joint position sense were alternately examined. Results: A statistically significant difference was obtained in pain threshold results after treatment compared to before treatment (P < .05) in the intra-group comparison and at the eighth week (P < .05). After treatment, joint position sense was significantly better in the CKCE group than in the WBE group (P < .05). Statistical significance was achieved in the WOMAC values after treatment in both groups (P < .05). Intragroup comparisons revealed that the improvements in the WOMAC and TUG tests in the WBE group were statistically better than those in the CKCE group (P < .05). In the analysis of the difference between groups after treatment and at week 8, the results were significantly better in the WBE group than in the CKCE group in terms of the TUG test values (P < .05). Conclusion: We concluded that, among patients with knee OA, WBE programs can be of great use for pain reduction and for functionality and balance exercises in rehabilitation.