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Cite this article: Alcalde GE (2017) Osteoarthritis of Knee and Aquatic Physical Therapy. JSM Foot Ankle 2(5): 1042.

*Corresponding authorGuilherme Eleutério Alcalde, Department of Physiotherapy, University of the Sacred Heart, Street IrmãArminda, 10-50, Jardim Brasil, Bauru - SP, Brazil, Email:

Submitted: 01 December 2017

Accepted: 14 December 2017

Published: 16 December 2017

ISSN: 2475-9112

Copyright© 2017 Alcalde

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Keywords•Hydrotherapy•Osteoarthritis•Pain•Aged

Short Communication

Osteoarthritis of Knee and Aquatic Physical TherapyGuilherme Eleutério Alcalde*Department of Physiotherapy, University of the Sacred Heart, Brazil

Abstract

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic degenerative disease of inflammatory, common in the older person that is characterized by changes in the articular cartilage, osteophytes and thickening of the subchondral bone. The objective of this short communication is to address the importance of exercises in knee osteoarthritis. Aquatic physical therapy (APT) is a safe and effective alternative for individuals with knee osteoarthritis. Aquatic physical therapy should be considered the first therapeutic option for individuals with osteoarthritis of the knee as it reduces pain, increases range of motion and strengthens muscles.

ABBREVIATIONSOA: Osteoarthritis; ROM: Range of Motion; APT: Aquatic

Physical Therapy

INTRODUCTIONKnee osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic degenerative disease of

inflammatory, common in the older people, that is characterized by changes in the articular cartilage, osteophytes and thickening of the subchondral bone [1,2].

Individuals with OA may have loss of balance, muscle weakness, proprioceptive deficit, altered posture control and lower range of motion (ROM). Muscles strengthening of the thigh and hip muscles are very important for joint stability and pain reduction [3]. The objective of this short communication is to address the importance of exercises in knee osteoarthritis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Exercises for OA

Exercise is a therapeutic strategy to minimize effects on the muscular system, preserving independence, improving quality of life and functional capacity. However, some impact exercises may aggravate the patient’s condition [1,4]. Aquatic physical therapy (APT) is a safe and effective alternative for individuals with knee OA.

Aquatic physical therapy

Exercise in the liquid medium reduces joint overload by up to 90%, improves movement and reduces chronic pain. Aquatic physical therapy is a safe rehabilitation modality for rheumatic diseases in the older people and offers multidimensional resistance for the strengthening of quadriceps and hamstrings, important muscles in knee stabilization. Specific exercises depend on the stage of rehabilitation that an individual is in, as

well as their needs and characteristics. Aquatic physical therapy should be considered the first therapeutic option for individuals with osteoarthritis, when compared with other treatment modalities [5-7]. The figures below illustrates an activity in the liquid medium (Figures 1&2).

Figure 1 Individuals with knee OA walking in the pool.

Figure 2 Stretching of gastrocnemius.

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Alcalde GE (2017) Osteoarthritis of Knee and Aquatic Physical Therapy. JSM Foot Ankle 2(5): 1042.

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RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONSome benefits of aquatic physical therapy for individuals with

OA:

• Reduces pain

• Increase ROM

• Strengthens muscles

• Relaxes the muscles

• Promotes quality of life and well being

CONCLUSIONAquatic physical therapy should be considered the first

therapeutic option for individuals with osteoarthritis of the knee as it reduces pain, increases range of motion and strengthens muscles.

REFERENCES1. Alcalde GE, Fonseca AC, Bôscoa TF, Gonçalves MR, Bernardo GC,

Pianna B, et al. Effect of aquatic physical therapy on pain perception, functional capacity and quality of life in older people with knee

osteoarthritis: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. Trials. 2017; 18: 1-6.

2. Vanni GF, Stucky JM, Schwarstmann CA. Radiologic evaluation of joint space in hip arthrosis: comparative study in decubitus and upright. Rev Bras Orto. 2008; 43: 460-464.

3. Conroy MB, Kwoh CK, Krishnan E, Nevitt MC, Boudreau R, Carbone LD, et al. Musclestrength, mass, and quality in older men and women with knee osteoarthritis. Arthritis Care Res. 2012;64: 15-21.

4. Guerrero Y, Soomro N, Wilson G, Dam Y, Meiklejohn J, Simpson K, et al. Train High Eat Low for Osteoarthritis study (THE LO study): protocol for a randomized controlled trial. J Physiother. 2015; 61: 217.

5. Alcalde GE, Guimarães LE, Pianna B, Almeida AD, Arca EA, Maria Amellia XC, et al. Impact of the Aquatic Physiotherapy Program on the Functional Mobility of the Elderly in the Community. Geriatrics. 2016; 19: 243-253

6. Kim IS, Chung SH, Park WJ, Kang HY. The effectiveness of an aquarobic exercise program for patients with osteoarthritis. Appl Nurs Res. 2012; 25: 181-189.

7. Hale LA, Waters D, Herbison P. A Randomized Controlled Trial to Investigate the Effects of Walter-BasedExerciseto Improve Falls Risk and Physical Function in Older Adults with Lower-Extremity Osteoarthritis. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2012; 93: 27-34.