Enhancing Hip Abductor Strength: A Key Component in Medial Knee Osteoarthritis Rehabilitation

Background: Individuals diagnosed with knee joint osteoarthritis (OA) associated with varus malalignment show a heightened peak adductor moment. Hip abductor strength is critical in reducing the knee adduction force. Aim: The purpose of this study was to examine how hip abductor exercises affected individuals experiencing OA in the knee's medial compartment. Patients and Methods: Participants with medial compartment OA in the knee joint have been randomly assigned to either of these groups. One group took part in an exercise regimen involving hip abductor strengthening exercises in addition to quadriceps strengthening, while the other group concentrated exclusively on quadriceps strengthening. Patients reported outcomes utilizing the questionnaire developed by Western Ontario and McMaster Universities (WOMAC) subscales at the beginning of the study and again four weeks later. Results: After four weeks, both groups showed notable enhancements in WOMAC subscales. Nevertheless, the group that engaged in a combination of hip abduction and quadriceps exercises experienced a marked reduction in pain severity when compared to the group that only performed quadriceps exercises. Conclusion: In the formulation of a rehabilitation strategy for patients suffering from knee OA, it is advisable to incorporate exercises aimed at enhancing hip strength alongside conventional exercise regimens.