Effect of retro walking versus balance training on pain and disability in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract Background Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic, degenerative, inflammatory musculoskeletal dysfunction. It is associated with pain, reduced functional capacity, and deficient quality of life posing a challenge for rehabilitation. The study objective was to determine the treatment protocol for effectively managing pain and functional disability of patients with OA knee. Methods This is a single-blinded study conducted in the outpatient department of a tertiary care hospital. This three-arm study consisted of 20 patients randomly allocated to each group, prearranged to receive conventional treatment (group A), conventional treatment with retro walking training (group B), and conventional treatment with balance training (group C) for a time frame of 6 weeks. Patients were screened prior to the pre-set eligibility criteria before inclusion in the study. Pain and functional disability were assessed at the baseline and post-intervention. Results The findings reported 66.66% female participation. The results established statistical significance for both pain and functional disability across all the three groups for both intergroup and intragroup analysis. Group B demonstrated the most promising results. Conclusion The 6-week rehabilitation protocol comprising retro walking as an adjunct to conventional therapy resulted in greater pain reduction and enhanced functional performance of patients with OA knee. This benefits the community at large. All stakeholders should be encouraged to include retro walking in their routine life. Trial registration The University Hospital Medical Information Network Centre (UMIN-CTR), UMIN000044483 . Retrospectively registered on June 09, 2021