IMPACT OF REHABILITATION PROGRAM FOR PATIENTS WITH KNEE OSTEOARTHRITIS AND DIABETES MELLITUS


Authors: Galina Мratskova, Nedko Dimitrov, Alexandаr Dimitrov, Petya Goycheva, Damyan Petrov
Keywords: Knee osteoarthritis, Diabetes mellitus, Deep Oscillation therapy, Interferential currents, Therapeutic exercises

Abstract:
Aim: To evaluate the therapeutic effects of complex rehabilitation involving electrotherapy and kinesiotherapy on functional activity in patients with knee osteoarthritis and comorbidities of diabetes mellitus using a WOMAC Osteoarthritis Index. Materials and Methods: The study included 144 patients with knee osteoarthritis- KellgrenLavrence II and III degree (101 women and 43 men, mean age 66.0±10.3 years). 14% of all patients had knee osteoarthritis and comorbidities of diabetes mellitus in mean age 67.4±9.4 years (women- 65.0% and 35.0%- men). Patients with knee osteoarthritis and comorbidities of diabetes mellitus conducted ten sessions of complex rehabilitation, including electrotherapy (interferential currents or Deep Oscillationtherapy) and therapeutic exercises. Results: The results were scored by assessment of the WOMAC Index at four time points: pretreatment, after treatment after the first and third months. There was no statistically significant difference in pretreatment WOMAC Index(p=0.869) in patients with osteoarthritis and diabetes mellitus and without diabetes mellitus. A statistically significant reduction in WOMAC Index(p<0.001), subscales Pain(p<0.001), Stiffness(p<0.001), and Function(p<0.001), was reported, which was sustained 3 months after the complex rehabilitation. Conclusion: The results showed prolonged, at least three months increase of functional activity in patients with knee osteoarthritis and diabetes mellitus after the complex rehabilitation (Deep Oscillation-therapy or interferencial currents and therapeutic exercises). Is established reducing the WOMAC Index, subscales Pain, Stiffness and Function. The rehabilitation program is individual and requires an adequate assessment of rehabilitation potential. Electrotherapy is appropriate to precede kinesiotherapy. In our opinion better objectiveing of the results obtained requires the study to continue. Download article