Effectiveness of Retrowalking Versus Retro Treadmill Walking on Pain, Range of Motion and Functional Disability in Female Subjects with Chronic Knee Osteoarthritis

Ponnada Ramakrishna, Ch. Ashok Chakravarthi, Annavarapu Yedukondalu, L. V. S. Pravallika

Abstract: Background and objectives: Osteoarthritis is a progressive disorder that affects the weight bearing joints. According to the Global Burden of Disease studies, knee OA is the fastest growing major health disorder and the second leading cause of disability worldwide. A part of closed chain exercises is retro - walking, which uses different muscle patterns compared to forward walking. Reverse treadmill walking increases stride rate and shortens stride length. The purpose of the study is to compare the effect of retro walking versus retro treadmill walking on pain, mobility and function in female subjects with chronic knee osteoarthritis. Methods: Quasi experimental study done on 60 subjects who were randomly assigned into two groups, 30 subjects in group A (retro walking), 30 subjects in group B (retro treadmill walking). Interventions are given in both groups 3 days per week for a period of 6 weeks. Outcome measures are assessed using VAS, Goniometer and WOMAC scores before and after the study duration. Results: Statistically significant difference was found between pre - test and post - test measures of in Pain, ROM and functional disability when compared within group. When compared between groups retro treadmill walking has more significant improvement to retro walking in reducing pain, increasing ROM and decrease in functional disability. Conclusion: The results of this study support retro treadmill walking as an effective intervention in reducing pain, increasing ROM and decreasing functional disability in the management of osteoarthritis of knee.

Keywords: Osteoarthritis of knee, retro walking, retro treadmill walking, goniometer, western Ontario McMaster Universities Arthritis index

How to Cite?: Ponnada Ramakrishna, Ch. Ashok Chakravarthi, Annavarapu Yedukondalu, L. V. S. Pravallika, "Effectiveness of Retrowalking Versus Retro Treadmill Walking on Pain, Range of Motion and Functional Disability in Female Subjects with Chronic Knee Osteoarthritis", Volume 14 Issue 1, January 2025, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 1125-1129, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR25124142751, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR25124142751