"POWERING THE KNEE: IMPACT OF TARGETED HAMSTRING AND QUADRICEPS STRENGTHENING ON PAIN AND FUNCTION IN OSTEOARTHRITIS – A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL"

Abstract

Objective of the Study: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of hamstring and quadriceps muscle strengthening exercises on pain, physical function, and quality of life in patients with knee osteoarthritis using the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) questionnaire.

Aim of the Study: The aim was to determine whether a focused strengthening program could significantly improve clinical outcomes in osteoarthritis patients compared to conventional physiotherapy.

Methodology: A randomized controlled trial was conducted at Health & Wellness Physio Rehab Center, Swabi. A total of 84 patients with clinically diagnosed knee osteoarthritis were selected through purposive sampling. Participants were randomly divided into two groups: Group A (Experimental) received targeted hamstring and quadriceps strengthening exercises, while Group B (Control) received conventional physiotherapy only. Both groups underwent treatment for 3 weeks. Pre- and post-intervention assessments were recorded using a self-structured questionnaire and the KOOS. Data were analyzed using SPSS 25.0, with significance set at p<0.05.

Results: Group A showed statistically significant improvements in all KOOS subscales—pain, symptoms, activities of daily living, sports/recreation, and quality of life—compared to Group B (p<0.001). Mean scores indicated that muscle strengthening had a substantial positive impact on functional performance and symptom reduction.

Conclusion: Hamstring and quadriceps strengthening exercises are effective in reducing pain and improving physical function and quality of life in patients with knee osteoarthritis. This intervention can be recommended as part of routine physiotherapy rehabilitation for OA.