ABSTRACT:
The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of Isokinetic Training and Electromyography biofeedback training in improving strength of the quadriceps femoris in participants with Osteoarthritis of knee. Fifty four participants (male and female) in the age range of 50-63 years with knee Osteoarthritis of Grade II and III (Kellgren-Lawrence criteria) severity were recruited from the Department of Orthopedics, Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia. The selected participants were taken to the Exercise and Sports science laboratory and the laboratory of School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia for baseline assessment. Extent of muscle strength was assessed employing the isokinetic device BIODEX 4 System Pro. On completion of the baseline assessment the participants were randomly categorized into three groups (Gr.) (Viz. Gr. A, Gr. B, Gr. C and Gr. D) and thus each group consisted of 18 participants. Gr. A participants received Conventional Physiotherapy consisting of strengthening exercises; stretching exercises and range of motion exercises. Gr. B received Isokinetic Training at velocities of 90° and 150°/second. Gr. C participants received EMG Biofeedback training with Mega ME 6000 device. All the interventions were imparted for 25 - 30 minutes per session; 2 sessions per week for10 weeks (20 sessions). Mid intervention assessment was done after 5th week followed by the post intervention assessment after 10th week following baseline assessment protocol. After the post intervention assessment, the participants were instructed not to attend the training session for the next 8 weeks and not to get engaged in any sort of physical training, exercise or sport programme. The issue of sustainability was also verified by the post-follow-up assessments of the all of the variables following identical assessment protocols after 14th and 18th week of completion.Repeated measure of ANOVA revealed that, Isokinetic Training was beneficial in enhancing muscle-strength of quadriceps femoris (p<.05).