Original Article: JRCRS. 2025; 13(2):82-87.
4- Effects of Knee Muscles Strengthening with and without Core Stability Exercises after Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy in Knee Osteoarthritis – RCT
Zaibunnisa1, Bazal Bukhari2
1 Student, The University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan
2 Assistant Professor, University Institute of Physical Therapy, University of Lahore, Pakistan
Abstract:
Background: For the management of early knee OA, after platelet-rich plasma therapy, proximal stability, and lower limb strengthening are essential in improving the symptoms in knee osteoarthritic patients.
Objective: To compare the effects of knee muscle strengthening exercises with and without core stability exercises after PRP therapy on pain, functional mobility, range of motion, and balance.
Methodology: From March 2023 to September 2023, this Randomized Controlled Trial was conducted at physiotherapy department of The University of Lahore Teaching Hospital. Sample size was calculated to be 72. The inclusion criteria was grade 1 or 2 knee osteoarthritis according to Kellgren Lawrence radiological criteria, age 45 to 60, and both genders. All patients received PRP therapy, without any systematic or pathological condition and were randomly assigned into two groups. Group A received knee exercises and group B received knee and core stability exercises. Both Groups were assessed at baseline and after 6th week using the Visual Analogue Scale, the WOMAC scoring, the Berg Balance Scoring and TUG scoring, and goniometry, to measure pain, functional mobility, range of motion, and balance respectively. Wilcoxon signed ranks sum test and Mann Whitney U test were used to determine mean difference of outcomes within and between groups, using SPSS software.
Results: The results showed there was a significant difference between both groups when the mean of variables was compared, including VAS, WOMAC, Berg Balance Scale, TUG test, and knee ROM, taken at baseline and 6th week and calculated as p<0.05, after intervention except WOMAC stiffness and WOMAC physical activity. It indicated improvement in pain, functional activity, balance, and range of motion after intervention in group B.
Conclusion: In summary, core stabilization exercises with knee exercises after platelet-rich plasma treatment are beneficial for pain reduction, functional activity level, knee mobility, and maintenance of balance.
Keywords: Core stability exercises, Fall risk, Pain, Platelet rich plasma therapy.