A Study To Assesss The Effectiveness Of Muscle Strengthening Exercises On Knee Joint Pain Among Elderly People In Selected Hospital At Chennai

Abstract

Background of the study: Age related changes affect every body system. These changes are normal and occur as people age. Older people generally lose muscle strength as they age. This reduction in muscle strength and associated joint pain makes the older people more likely to have problems carrying out their daily activities. Muscle Strengthening exercises helps to reduce knee joint pain and improve the physical function, and increase the daily living activities.

Aims and Objectives: To assess the pretest and post-test level of severity of knee joint pain among elderly people, and to evaluate the effectiveness of muscle strengthening exercises, and to assess the correlation between the Numerical Rating scale (NRS), and the Modified WOMAC Index Scale, among elderly people, to associate the selected demographic variables with the pre-test and post-test intervention measures on the severity of knee joint pain among elderly people in selected hospitals in Chennai.

Research Design and Methodology: The study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of muscle strengthening exercises and it was found that out of 100 study participants who met with the inclusion criteria. Informed consent was obtained from all the study participants. The research design used was one group pre-test and post-test experimental design. The muscle strengthening exercises are practiced by samples for 30-45 minutes daily in the morning and evening for 30 days. The data gathered were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics.

Results: The study revealed that, the mean post-test scores of knees joint pain was 1.68 (SD + 1.17) which was significantly lower than the mean pre-test scores 4.27(SD + 1.60). so, the reduction of pain score is 25.90%. It shows the effectiveness of the study. The mean post-test score of physical function was 11.28(SD + 9.07) which was significantly lower than the mean pre-test score of 30.10 (SD+ 10.09). So, the reduction of pain score was 19.60%. It shows the effectiveness of the study. The value of knee joint pain score was 40.65 and physical function score was 78.95 which were significant at < 0.001 level. Therefore, practicing muscle strengthening exercises reduces knee joint pain and improves physical function among elderly people with knee joint pain which is non-expensive.

Conclusion: The study findings revealed that there was a significant reduction of joint pain and improved physical function after muscle strengthening exercises. Based on the statistical findings it was evident that muscle strengthening exercises reduce the joint pain and improve physical function, and increase daily living activities, among elderly people with osteoarthritis thereby it promotes the well-being and quality of life among elderly people with osteoarthritis.