Comparative Effectiveness of Integrated Neuromuscular Inhibition Technique Along with Conventional Treatment Vs Conventional Treatment Alone in Patients of Knee Osteoarthritis

Abstract

Background: Due to cartilage damage adduction movement increased at knee joint which alters biomechanics of knee joint. All  muscles  attached  to knee  joint  get  overstretched,  tightened  and  trigger  points  formed  in  them  produces  pain and alters functioning  of  knee  joint.

Objective: To determine which treatment approach either integrated neuromuscular inhibition technique INIT combined with conventional treatment or conventional treatment alone was effective in reducing pain, improving ROM and quality of life in patients with knee osteoarthritis.

Material and Methodology:  A randomized clinical trial was conducted on n=28 patients (23 females, 5 males) with age group of 45-70 years were randomly allocated into 2 groups. Group A  received  conventional  treatment  along  with  INIT technique  and  group B  received  conventional  treatment  alone,  treatment was  given  for 2 weeks with 3 sessions / week. NPRS was used to measure pain at baseline, after 1^st,  2^nd,  4^th  and  6^th session of treatment. ROM   through goniometer measured   at   baseline,   after 1^st   and at end of 2^nd week (6^th session). WOMAC   scale for quality of life improvement measured   at   baseline and at end of 2^nd week (6^th session). SPSS version 20 was used for data analysis.

Results: In-Between group analysis showed significant difference exist in knee pain and WOMAC scale values. However no, significant difference exist between both groups for knee flexion and extension except for knee extension range, improved after 6^th session.

Conclusion: Reduction in knee pain and disability of patient along with improved knee ROM was remarkably noted in the patients who received INIT technique combined with conventional treatment.

Keywords: Osteoarthritis, trigger points, INIT technique, conventional treatment, Integrated Neuromuscular Inhibition Technique

Ethical Approval Number: TUF/IRB/178/2023