Thesis (M.Sc.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Physical Therapy - Department of Musculoskeletal Disorders

Objective this study was done to assess the therapeutic efficacy of low level LASER and proprioceptive training in improving functional performance and proprioception accuracy and reducing pain intensity with knee osteoarthritis cases, and to determine which one of these two treatments is more effective to improve these variables. Method: Thirty male and female patients with moderate knee osteoarthritis from both sexes were involved, aged between 40- 60 years old. All patients were randomly assigned into two groups. The group (A) (n=15, mean age: 54.6±4.2 years) received low level laser, while the group (B) (n=15, mean age: 53.4±3.56 years) received proprioceptive training. All patients received exercise program (12 sessions, 3 sessions per week) over a four weeks period. Functional performance (using WOMAC index), proprioception accuracy (using Myrin 2OB3 goniometer to calculate AAE at 30{u00B0}) and pain intensity (using visual analogue scale) were assessed, pre- treatment and post-treatment for both groups. Results: The results of the current study revealed that either low level LASER therapy or proprioceptive training combined with exercises for four weeks in patients with knee OA resulted in significant increase in functional performance and proprioception accuracy in the post-treatment, associated with a significant decrease in pain intensity in the post-treatment in both groups

Issued also as CD