Effectiveness of 6 weeks individual rehabilitation on the functionality and quality of life in patients with bilateral gonarthrosis

Aim: The aim of the study was to assess the quality of life and functionality of patients with KOA. Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) leads to the destruction of articular cartilage and loss of its function. It has been shown that knee osteoarthritis is the leading cause of functional limitations worldwide. Patients experience pain that af f ects their daily activities, such as: getting out of bed or a chair, walking and climbing stairs. The deterioration of functionality in patients with gonarthrosis translates into their quality of life. It has also been shown that rehabilitation is ef f ective in combating symptoms associated with gonarthrosis. Materials and Methods: Two groups were distinguished among the participants – control (n=41) and study, in which random assignment was made to one of three groups – “Insoles” (n=43), “Exercises” (n=43), “Mixed” (n=39). In order to assess the quality of life and functionality, the following were used: KOOS questionnaire, 10 m Walk Test, Sensory Control Test, Five Time Sit to Stand Test. Diagnostics were performed twice – before and after 6 weeks of therapy. Results: Statistically signif i cant dif f erences were obtained in the functional assessment and quality of life in patients compared to the control group (p<0.05), and a benef i cial ef f ect of the therapy was demonstrated (p<0.05). The greatest ef f ectiveness was achieved in the group of people performing exercises and using orthopedic insoles at the same time. Conclusions: Rehabilitation af f ects the functional improvement and quality of life in patients with bilateral gonarthrosis of the medial compartment, and the most ef f ective method is a combination of exercises and the simultaneous use of orthopedic insoles.