Effect of Pilates based exercises for improving pain and physical function in symptomatic knee osteoarthritis -a randomized controlled clinical trial

Background and Objective: Osteoarthritis (OA) a common wear and tear pathology of joints occurring among females. There is need of exercises regimen is known to be the most appropriate conventional treatment that stop the progression of degeneration. Pilates based exercises are recommended for reduction of the pain and strengthen the peripheral muscles. The Objective was to determine the effects of Pilates based exercises on pain and physical function in women with knee OA. Methodology: This randomized clinical trial was conducted on 40 female patients with knee OA grade II and III, selected randomly and divided into two groups. After baseline evaluation using WOMAC scale, both groups received interventions for 8 weeks, 3 times per week and each session lasting for an hour. Statistical analysis using analysis of variance and independent sample t test significance at p < 0.1 were used. Results: In the study, 20 females in each group with mean age in Pilates group 57.60 +/- 6.34 and in isometrics group was 55.65 +/- 7.28. The results showed that both groups differed significantly over the time period of 8 weeks and showed significant improvement for pain and physical function; p < 0.1. When comparing Pilates with isometrics, patients in Pilates group showed significantly better improvement in terms of pain and physical function; p < 0.1. Conclusion: Pilates based exercises had significant effects in improving physical function and reduction of pain with statistically significant difference compared to Isometric exercises in symptomatic knee OA.