Effects of Multiplanar Exercise on Pain and Function in a Patient with Medial Knee Osteoarthritis: A Case Report

Purpose: This case report examined the effects of a 6-week multiplanar exercise program on pain, hip abductor strength, and functional performance in a patient with medial knee osteoarthritis (KOA).Methods: A 62-year-old female with radiographically confirmed medial KOA (Kellgren-Lawrence Grade 3) and varus alignment underwent a supervised exercise program three times per week for 6 weeks.The intervention consisted of multiplanar, weight-bearing exercises (squats, pelvic drop, single-leg stance, and multiplanar lunges) with progressive loading and reactive neuromuscular training using a Cook band.Outcomes were assessed pre-and post-intervention using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) for pain and function, digital dynamometry for hip abductor strength, Timed Up and Go (TUG), and pressure-based Sit-to-Stand (STS) analysis.Results: After 6 weeks, WOMAC total and subscale scores decreased from 53 to 24, indicating improvements in pain, stiffness, and function.Hip abductor strength increased from 21.5kgf to 25.2kgf.TUG time improved from 11.4s to 9.2s.STS analysis showed reduced weight transfer time, increased rising index, decreased sway velocity, and restoration of left-right weight-bearing symmetry.No adverse events occurred.Conclusion: A short-term multiplanar exercise program incorporating hip abductor strengthening and proprioceptive training was associated with meaningful improvements in pain and functional performance in a patient with medial KOA and varus alignment.