Evaluation of Effectiveness of Contrast Bath vs Knee Pad Device on Pain, Range of Motion and Functional Disability in Knee Osteoarthritis Patients: A Research Protocol

Introduction: Osteoarthritis of knee is one of the most enfeebling conditions that causes pain and functional impairment that adversely affects life quality. Contrast bath therapy causes alternate vasodilatation and vasoconstriction when limb is dipped in warm and cold water, respectively. Knee pad device gives vibrations and heating therapy by infrared light and ice pack is used to give cryotherapy. Here otago exercise program is used to strengthen lower limbs and balance training along with walking protocol.

Need of Study: One of the most frequent joint ailments in the adult population is osteoarthritis because of which there is a notable limitation of mobility. In grade 1 and 2 osteoarthritis people experience pain and stiffness in knee joint. Many studies have been done using traditional immersion contrast bath technique for reducing pain. But it is difficult to find research on contrast therapy using a device.

Aim: To compare the effect of contrast bath therapy and knee pad device on pain, range of motion and functional disability in grade 1 and 2 knee osteoarthritis.

Materials and Methods: This study will be a randomised clinical trial and will be conducted in the Outpatient Department, AVBRH and Ravi Nair Physiotherapy College, Sawangi (Meghe), Wardha, Maharashtra, India. This study has been approved from Institutional Ethical Committee of Datta Meghe Institute of Medical Sciences, (DU). Duration of this study will be for a period of one year fromJanuary 2022 to January 2023. Sixty participants with grade 1 or 2 osteoarthritis of knee will be included in the study and randomly divided in two groups with 30 in each. Group A will be given contrast bath therapy and group B will be given treatment with knee pad device and otago exercise program given in both groups. Treatment will be given for two weeks with three sessions per week. Pre and post-treatment pain, range of motion and functional disability will be noted and statistical analysis will be done.

Conclusion: The present study results are expected to establish knee pad device as more effective and easy method than contrast bath therapy in knee osteoarthritis.