Effect of hamstring stretching for improving body function or activity in patients with knee osteoarthritis

Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a long-term disease characterized by abnormalities in the cartilage in the joints which causes the bones to rub together, causing stiffness, pain, decreased flexibility and impaired functional activities. Purpose: To determine effect of hamstring stretching for improving body function or activity in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Method: A quantitative quasi-experimental approach. Participants were selected using random sampling and the Issac & Michael formula, resulting in 30 participants who were divided into two groups, namely 15 participants in the intervention group and 15 participants in the control group from Sebelas Maret University Hospital. Pre-test and post-test functional activity assessments using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) instrument in the intervention and control groups. Univariate statistical analysis was conducted, including a shapiro wilk and one way anova test. Results: Intervention group and control group have a p-value <0.05, meaning that functional activity has an effect on have hamstring stretching exercise on increasing functional activity in knee osteoarthritis patients. Conclusion: Hamstring strengthening exercise on increasing the ability of functional activities in knee osteoarthritis. This can be considered as evidence that specific exercise interventions on the hamstring muscles provide positive benefits in individuals with knee osteoarthritis.