The effect of straight leg raise on reducing pain and increasing functional ability of the knee joint in patients with osteoarthritis genu

Background: Osteoarthritis of the genu is one of the most common types of osteoarthritis, especially in the elderly population. This disease causes the destruction of cartilage in the knee joint, leading to pain, stiffness, and decreased functional ability in performing daily activities. Postmenopausal women are more susceptible to osteoarthritis due to hormonal changes that affect bone and muscle health. Muscle strengthening therapy, such as the Straight Leg Raise (SLR), is used as one of the rehabilitation methods to reduce pain and improve functional ability in patients with osteoarthritis genu by strengthening the quadriceps muscles that support the knee. Purpose: To assess how SLR exercise helps patients with knee osteoarthritis by lowering pain and increasing functional abilities. Method: 24 patients were split into treatment and control groups in this quasi-experimental investigation. The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) was used to measure pain, and the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) was used to measure functional ability. Results: The treatment group showed significant reduction in tenderness and motion pain, as well as increased functional ability compared to the control group. Wilcoxon and Mann-Whitney U tests showed significant differences. Conclusion: SLR exercises are effective in strengthening the quadriceps muscles, reducing pain, and improving knee stability. These results support previous studies on the benefits of strengthening exercises in patients with osteoarthritis.