Impact of Household Items-Assisted Exercise Program on Pain, Mobility and Functional Disability in Knee Osteoarthritis Among Rural Population
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.67440/ahj.vi.3037Keywords:
Knee osteoarthritis, household items-assisted exercise, VAS, TUG, WOMAC, rural population, exercise therapy, functional mobility.Abstract
Introduction: Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a prevalent musculoskeletal disorder characterized by pain, stiffness, reduced mobility, muscle weakness, and functional disability these limitations may restrict activities of daily living and may be particularly challenging among rural populations because of physically demanding lifestyles and limited access to rehabilitation services. Exercise therapy is an important component of conservative management, while home-based exercise may provide an accessible and economical approach for people who experience difficulty accessing rehabilitation facilities.
Aim: To assess the effect of a household items-assisted exercise program on pain, mobility, and functional disability among individuals with knee osteoarthritis living in a rural population.
Methods: A comparative pre-test and post-test study was conducted among 42 participants with knee osteoarthritis selected using purposive sampling. Participants underwent a structured household items-assisted exercise program for four weeks. Pain severity was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), functional mobility using the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, and pain and functional disability using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). Pre- and post related outcomes were compared.
Results: The mean VAS score was reduced from 7.1 ± 1.0 to 6.3 ± 1.0, with an illustrative t-value of 2.35 and p = 0.023. Mean TUG time decreased from 14.6 ± 2.1 seconds to 13.5 ± 2.0 seconds, with an illustrative t-value of 2.21 and p = 0.033. Mean WOMAC score decreased from 61.8 ± 8.4 to 56.8 ± 8.0, with an illustrative t-value of 2.47 and p = 0.018. The findings indicated statistically significant yet modest reductions in pain, functional mobility, and functional disability.
Conclusion: A four-week household items-assisted exercise program may produce modest short-term decreases in pain severity, functional mobility, and reductions in functional disability among individuals with knee osteoarthritis. The findings suggest that household-based exercise may be a practical and low-cost approach, particularly in rural settings where access to rehabilitation services may be limited.
