Published Paper Details:

Abstract Objective: To determine the comparative effect of the functional faradism over strengthening exercises in reducing pain, joint stiffness, functional limitation and improving isometric quadriceps muscle strength and quality of life in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Method: 32 patients with Osteoarthritis of Knee (18 women and 14 men) were randomly divided into group A and group B (16 patients in each group). Group A received the functional faradism for 5 days a week for 4 weeks, whereas the group B received strengthening exercises. Maximum isometric quadriceps muscles strength was assessed with the hand held dynamometer. Pain and the functional status of the patients were measured through WOMAC index. Results: Data analysis reported pain, joint stiffness, functional limitation reduced and maximum isometric quadriceps strength improved significantly at the end of 4th week compared with the post-treatment values in both the groups. On between group comparisons pain, joint stiffness, functional limitation and maximum isometric quadriceps muscles strength in functional faradism group were significantly improved (p<0.05) than group B received strengthening exercises at the end of 4th week. Conclusion: functional faradism has been shown significant effect in reducing pain, joint stiffness, functional limitation and improving isometric quadriceps muscle strength among the patients with knee osteoarthritis.