None listed
Conditions
Brief summary
Knee osteoarthritis is a common musculoskeletal condition that is increasingly prevalent as the population ages. Knee osteoarthritis research has largely focused on treating pain and disability. However, to reduce the incidence of this burdensome disease, prevention is also vital. Individuals who have undergone an arthroscopic partial meniscectomy (APM), a common surgical procedure to repair, remove or trim the inner knee meniscus are at increased risk to develop knee osteoarthritis. Post-APM patients, have increased knee joint loading as compared to matched healthy individuals. It is widely accepted that increased knee joint loads may be one factor related to the initiation and progression of knee osteoarthritis. In young healthy individuals neuromuscular exercises can reduce knee joint loading during athletic tasks however, the effects of neuromuscular exercises on knee joint loads are unclear in those considered at high risk of developing early knee osteoarthritis. This research will primarily investigate the effects of a neuromuscular exercise program on knee load in those who have undergone an arthroscopy to repair, remove or trim the inner knee meniscus. The neuromuscular intervention includes exercises designed to improve co-ordination, knee alignment and balance. This study will help us to develop better rehabilitation programs that could help delay the onset of knee osteoarthritis following knee arthroscopy.
Interventions
Neuromuscular Program: Experienced musculoskeletal physiotherapists will deliver the exercise program. A total of eight treatments will be delievered over twelve weeks; two treatments sessions in week one, once in the second and third weeks and fortnightly thereafter. The duration of the first session will be 45 minutes with the remaining sessions lasting 30 minutes. The physiotherapists will individualise the neuromuscular program to the ability of each participant. In addition to attending th
Neuromuscular Program: Experienced musculoskeletal physiotherapists will deliver the exercise program. A total of eight treatments will be delievered over twelve weeks; two treatments sessions in week one, once in the second and third weeks and fortnightly thereafter. The duration of the first session will be 45 minutes with the remaining sessions lasting 30 minutes. The physiotherapists will individualise the neuromuscular program to the ability of each participant. In addition to attending the phyisotherapist, participants will perform 5-6 exercises that will last 30-35min, 3 times each week unsupervised, at home for the 12 week period.
Sponsors
The University of Melbourne
Study design
Allocation
Randomised controlled trial
Intervention model
Parallel
Primary purpose
Treatment
Masking
Blinded (masking used)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Age
30 Years to 50 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
a) Aged between 30-50 years old; b) a primary arthroscopic partial medial meniscectomy between 3-12 months ago
Exclusion criteria
a) in the past week an average overall pain greater than or equal to 3 out of 10 on an 11 point numerical rating scale; b) signs of moderate or severe knee osteoarthritis on x-ray(Kellgren & Lawrence Grades 3 or 4); c) full tears of the knee anterior or posterior cruciate ligaments; d) anterior or posterior cruciate ligaments reconstructions; e) back or lower extremity pain (other than the affected knee) that limited everyday activities or required treatment in the past month; f) history of lower limb surgery (other than arthroscopy); g) other forms of arthritis, diabetes cardiac, circulatory conditions that limit everyday activities; h) neurological conditions; i) a body mass index >34; j) any ailment precluding safe participation in exercise; k) inadequate written or spoken English; l) high levels of physical activity defined as participation in organised team or individual sport that requires regular competition and requires some form of systematic training
Outcome results
None listed