Decreased activity of hip abductor musculature has been suggested as a contributing factor for the disease progression in participants with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis (OA). In this study, the effectiveness of 6 weeks isolated hip abductor strengthening on WOMAC, 6 minute walk test and hip strength and endurance in participants with symptomatic medial compartment knee OA were studied.
Thirty persons with medial compartment knee OA were randomized to hip abductor strengthening group (n = 15) and conventional group (n = 15). Both the groups received intervention for 5 times per week for 6 weeks. 6 minute walk test, health status (WOMAC), hip strength (by modified syphgmomanometer) and hip endurance (number of repetitions) were assessed at baseline and post intervention. The dependent variables were analyzed using 2 × 2 ANOVA, with repeated measurement as second factor to determine the effects of the intervention on each outcome variable.
Significant group-by-time interactions were observed for each variable of interest. Post hoc testing revealed that all the outcome measures improved significantly in the hip abductor strengthening group following the 6-week intervention than the control group.
The incorporation of hip-strengthening exercises may be considered along with conventional exercises when designing a rehabilitation program for persons with knee OA.