Effect of Uphill Walking versus Aerobic Exercise on Functional Capacity and Pain in Subjects with Grade 2 and 3 Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Background: As the cushioning cartilage of the knee gradually deteriorates in osteoarthritis (OA), a common degenerative joint disease produces stiffness, pain, and difficulty in moving. Aims: The aim of the study was to determine and compare the effect of uphill walking vs. aerobic strengthening exercises on functional capacity and pain in subjects with unilateral Grade 2 and 3 Knee OA. Settings and Design: Patients with knee OA across the ages of 55 and 70 were recruited in a randomized clinical trial study that was carried out at tertiary care facilities in Belagavi. Methodology: Forty individuals across the ages of 55–70 took part in the study. All individuals underwent baseline evaluations for Functional capacity using 6 min walk test and pain using the Numerical Pain Rating Scale, after which they were randomly allocated in intervention Groups A and B. Group A (uphill walking and conventional exercises) and Group B (aerobic exercise and conventional exercises) were intervened for 4 weeks thrice weekly followed by postintervention evaluation. Statistical Analysis Used: Chi-square test for association, independent t -test Mann–Whitney U -test for comparing pain and functional capacity between two groups, and dependent t or Wilcoxon matched pairs test to compare pain and functional capacity within groups. A 5% threshold of significance was applied. Results: Both Groups A and B showed distinct improvements in functional capacity and pain scores posttreatment. For functional capacity, the t -tests revealed strong evidence of improvement in two of the groups. Similarly, for pain scores, the nonparametric tests showed notable reductions in pain for two of the Groups. All results were statistically significant at the 5% level. Conclusion: Drawn from the results of the study, uphill walking along with conventional exercises is more beneficial in improving functional capacity and pain as compared to aerobic exercises along with conventional exercises.