Effects of knee muscles strengthening with and without core stability exercises after platelet rich plasma therapy in knee osteoarthritis

Background: For the management of early knee OA, after platelet rich plasma therapy, proximal stability and lower limb strengthening is essential in improving the symptoms in knee osteoarthritic patients. Objective: To compare the effects of knee muscles strengthening exercises with and without core stability exercises after PRP therapy on pain, functional mobility, range of motion, and balance in knee osteoarthritic patients. Methodology: From March 2023 to September 2023, this randomized controlled trial was in operation, included 72 patients, aged 45 to 60, of both sexes, randomly assigned in two groups included group A which received knee exercises after PRP therapy and group B received knee as well as core stability exercises after PRP therapy and were assessed at baseline and week 6 using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale, the WOMAC scoring, the Berg Balance Scoring and TUG scoring, and goniometry. Results: the results showed there was significant difference in between both groups when mean of variables were compared, included VAS, WOMAC, balance berg scale, time up and go test, knee ROM, taken at baseline and at 6th week and calculated as p<0.05, after intervention except WOMAC stiffness and WOMAC physical activity. It indicated improvement in pain, functional activity, balance and range of motion after intervention more in group B. Conclusions: In summary, core stabilization exercises with knee exercises after platelet-rich plasma treatment are beneficial for pain reduction, functional activity level, knee mobility, and maintenance of balance.