Effect of plyometric training in unilateral knee osteoarthritis

Background. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition that begins with the onset of pain and gradually leads to decreased functional movement and activities. It is a complex, progressive disorder resulting in loss of articular cartilage, reduction of joint space, pain, loss of function, and physical incapacity, which together deteriorate quality of life. Plyometrics can be effective in improving joint awareness, balance, and neuromuscular properties, helping to enhance proprioception, kinaesthesia, and muscle performance. Materials and methods. One hundred and four subjects with unilateral knee osteoarthritis were included in the study. Subjects with rheumatoid arthritis, polyarthritis, other joint complaints, systemic inflammatory arthropathies, previous knee replacement surgery, or intra-articular corticosteroid injections in either knee in the past 12 weeks were excluded. Participants were divided into two groups of 52 each: a control group (conventional exercises) and an experimental group (plyometric training along with conventional exercises) for 4 weeks. Pre- and post-tests were conducted using the knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome score (KOOS), which assesses pain, daily activities, and quality of life. Results. The post-test values of both groups were compared to determine the difference in improvement due to the interventions. Based on all the data, the results show that the experimental group demonstrated greater improvement in KOOS components compared to the control group that received only conventional treatment. Conclusion. It is concluded that plyometric training is an effective intervention for improving pain and functional outcomes among individuals with unilateral knee osteoarthritis.