The Effect of Two Selected Exercise Protocols alongside Attention Instructions on the Pain and Balance of Male Elderly Suffering Knee Osteoarthritis

Introduction: Despite numerous treatments, definitive treatment for osteoarthritis has not yet been found. However, due to the symptoms of osteoarthritis of the knee, the latest non-pharmacological therapies include reducing pain and weakness, improving range of motion, and facilitating performance in daily activities are on the rehabilitation protocols. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of two selected training protocols on pain and balance in elderly men with knee osteoarthritis. Materials and Methods: In this semi-experimental study, 31 elderly men aged 60 to 80 years with knee osteoarthritis from the elderly center of Kerman were assigned into two groups including electrotherapy plus knee extensor exercise group and electrotherapy plus hip abductor exercise group. The individuals in each group were randomly divided into two subgroups: the external focus and the internal focus. The exercises were performed three times a week for eight weeks. To assess pain, a VAS scale, and to assess a static, dynamic and total balance, Romberg, TGUG, and TBT tests were used before and after the test, respectively. Analysis of covariance or ANCOVA at a significant level of 0.05 was used for statistical analysis of data considering the effect of focus of attention. Results: The results showed that there was a statistically significant difference between pre- and post-exercise in pain, static balance, dynamic balance, and total balance test, but there was no statistically significant difference between the two exercises group. There was no statistically significant difference between external and internal focus and there was no significant interaction between variables (P˃0.05). Conclusion: According to the results of the research, strength training of the hip abductor muscles along with common treatments and attention-oriented guidelines can be recommended for pain management and improving the level of performance of the elderly with osteoarthritis of the knee.