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ACUTE EFFECTS OF EXERCISES ON BALANCE, MOBILITY, FUNCTIONAL CAPACITY AND MUSCLE STRENGTH IN ELDERLY PEOPLE WITH KNEE OSTEOARTHRITIS AT A SCHOOL CLINIC IN THE CITY OF SÃO PAULO

Abstract

Objective: To verify the effect of a protocol of ground exercises in the improvement of balance, mobility, functional capacity, and muscular strength in elderly people with knee osteoarthritis in 10 weeks. Method: The study, approved by the Ethics Committee of Universidade São Judas Tadeu, evaluated 17 elderly people (73.53 ± 7.41 years, body mass index 28.60 ± 3.67 kg / m2). Were Included individuals of both genders, aged ≥ 60 years, with a radiological and clinical diagnosis of chronic unilateral or bilateral knee osteoarthritis, walking with or without walking aid devices; kneeling pain in one or both knees and with cognitive preserved to understand simple orders. They were excluded from the study of those who had undergone previous knee surgery, with inflammatory diseases, morbid obesity, and upper and lower limb amputees. Balance, functional capacity, and mobility and muscle strength were assessed using the Berg balance scale, Dynamic Gait Index, and Jamar® manual dynamometer, respectively. Results: The unpaired Student's t-test was used to verify the effect of physiotherapy. When evaluating the pre and post-intervention periods, it was found that there was an improvement (increase) in terms of mobility, functional capacity, and muscle strength. Conclusion: The study showed that, within 10 weeks of treatment, there were signs of functional improvement in the elderly with knee osteoarthritis associated with a beneficial effect promoted by physical therapy. Keywords: Elderly, Osteoarthritis, Knee, Physical Therapy Specialty, Postural balance, Mobility limitation and Muscle strength.