Effects of hot compress, thigh muscle exercise and home-based support on pain level, joint stiffness and daily activities in patients with primary osteoarthritis of the knee
Abstract:
Primary osteoarthritis of the knee is a critical problem leading to joint disorder. It causes critical pain, stiffness and decreases daily activity performance. Studies on hot compress and thigh muscle exercise have reported noticeable effectiveness of this treatment technique especially if it is practiced correctly and continually. This quasi-experimental research aims to study the effects of a 12-week home-based hot compress, thigh muscle exercise programme on pain level, joint stiffness and daily activity in patients with primary osteoarthritis of the knee. Seventy eight patients with mild to severe osteoarthritis of the knee were randomized from 4 Tumbon in Yantakao, Trang province. The participants were randomly allocated to hot compress, thigh muscle exercise together with a home-based support (n= 39) or to usual care (control, n= 39). The home - based support consisted of teaching patients and family members at home about caring for the knee joints, training for hot compress, thigh muscle exercise and also following telephone counseling. While the control group receives a handbook of knee care, hot compress and thigh muscle exercise to practise by themselves at home. A pre-test and a post-test administered at 1st,4th,8th and 12nd weeks for pain stiffness and daily activity scores by WOMAC scale (Thai version) were analyzed for each of the outcomes with the control group using a repeated measure ANOVA and an independent t-test at an alpha level of p ? .05. The intervention group had significantly reduced pain, joint stiffness and improved daily activity performances since the 1st week (p < .001). When compared between groups, the result revealed that patient who was in the supportive program had significantly less pain and less joint stiffness than those who received the usual care (p < .05) since the 1s t week and improved daily activity since the 4th week (p < .05). This study indicated that hot compress, thigh muscle exercise with a home - based support provides an effective treatment in knee care. Additionally, utilization of this program should be developed both in the community hospital and the primary care unit in the community setting to assist osteoarthritis patients in dealing with their suffering at home and also in improving their daily living quality.
WALAILAK UNIVERSITY. CENTER FOR LIBRARY RESOURCES AND EDUCATIONAL MEDIA