Abstract
Objective
To compare the effects of whole-body vibration training (WBVT) with quadriceps strengthening exercise (QSE) with QSE alone on functioning and gait parameters in patients with medial compartment knee osteoarthritis.
Design
Randomised controlled preliminary study.
Setting
Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, West China Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China.
Subjects
Thirty-nine patients with medial compartment knee osteoarthritis.
Interventions
Participants were assigned at random to one of two groups.
Main measures
Visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), timed up and go test (TUG), 6-minute walk distance test (6MWD), and three-dimensional gait analysis during level walking at baseline, 12 weeks and 16 weeks (follow-up).
Results
Compared with baseline, significant improvements in VAS, all WOMAC scales, TUG, 6MWD and all spatiotemporal parameters were seen in both the WBVT + QSE group and the QSE alone group at 12 and 16 weeks. However, the WBVT + QSE group showed greater improvements than the QSE alone group in WOMAC scales (physical function), TUG, 6MWD and cadence at 12 weeks. No differences were found between the WBVT + QSE and QSE alone groups in VAS, WOMAC scales (pain, stiffness), kinematic and kinetic gait parameters, and other spatiotemporal parameters at 12 weeks and 16 weeks.
Conclusion
Over a 3-month period, WBVT in combination with QSE improved symptoms, physical function and spatiotemporal parameters in patients with medial compartment knee osteoarthritis, and led to greater improvement than QSE alone in WOMAC scales (physical function), TUG, 6MWD and cadence.
Citation
Effects of whole-body vibration training with quadriceps strengthening exercise on functioning and gait parameters in patients with medial compartment knee osteoarthritis: a randomised controlled preliminary study.