Effect of Matrix Rhythm Therapy Along with Wall Squats and Conventional Therapy in Individuals with Osteoarthritis of Knee: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a progressive degenerative condition that causes pain, restricted mobility, and reduced quality of life. ‎Standard physiotherapy may not always address both tissue-level dysfunction and biomechanical deficits. Matrix Rhythm Therapy (MRT) is a novel ‎modality that uses low-frequency mechanical vibrations to improve microcirculation, tissue relaxation, and oxygen delivery. This study evaluated the ‎combined effects of MRT, wall squats, and conventional exercises in patients with unilateral knee OA.‎ Methods: An interventional study was conducted at Dr. D.Y. Patil College of Physiotherapy OPD. Thirty participants aged 45–65 years, diagnosed ‎with unilateral knee OA (NPRS 5–8), were randomly allocated into two groups (n=15 each). Group 1 received MRT with wall squats and conven-‎tional exercises; Group 2 received MRT with conventional exercises only. Interventions were administered for 10 sessions over two weeks. Outcomes ‎measured pre- and post-intervention included pain (Numerical Pain Rating Scale, NPRS), knee range of motion (ROM), and functional performance ‎‎(Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, KOOS).‎ Results: Within-group analysis showed significant improvements in pain, knee flexion ROM, and KOOS scores in both groups (p<0.05), with no ‎significant change in knee extension ROM. Between-group comparison indicated Group 1 achieved significantly greater pain reduction (p=0.025) ‎and showed a trend toward greater improvement in knee flexion ROM and KOOS scores, though differences were not statistically significant.‎ Conclusion: The integration of MRT, wall squats, and conventional exercises is effective in reducing pain and improving functional performance in ‎knee OA, offering a holistic, non-invasive rehabilitation approach‎.