THE EFFECT OF PILATES EXERCISE ON LOWER EXTREMITY FUNCTION AND GAIT PARAMETERS IN OSTEOARTHRITIS KNEE: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent musculoskeletal disorder causing chronic pain and functional disability. Pilates, an exercise therapy focusing on core strength, flexibility, and balance, has been used as a treatment, but its effectiveness and effects on lower extremity function remain inconclusive. Methods: The study conducted a comprehensive search using electronic databases like PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library, including keywords and MeSH terminology related to Pilates, knee osteoarthritis, lower extremity function, and gait metrics. Citation monitoring and manual searches were also used. The researcher independently screened studies, acquiring and examining complete texts before inclusion, taking into account any disparities. Results: Pilates significantly improves lower extremity function in individuals with knee osteoarthritis (OA), enhancing muscle strength, balance, and proprioception. It also reduces joint stress, improves gait parameters, and promotes efficient walking motion. Pilates also reduces pain intensity, stiffness, and functional disability, making it a valuable therapeutic intervention for managing OA symptoms and improving patients' quality of life. Discussions: Pilates training improves lower extremity function and gait parameters in knee osteoarthritis patients, enhancing pain thresholds, muscle strength, proprioception, and balance. It targets major knee-related muscle groups, improving neuromuscular control, strength, flexibility, and core stability. Integrating Pilates into comprehensive OA management programs may enhance patient outcomes and functional rehabilitation. Further research is needed for long-term sustainability. Conclusions: Pilates offers numerous benefits, including pain reduction and muscle strength enhancement, making it a promising treatment for OA knee pain. However, further research is needed to improve intervention techniques and understand long-term outcomes. Keywords: Pilates, Knee osteoarthritis, Lower extremity function, Gait parameters, Pain relief