Background and Aim: Knee osteoarthritis is one of the most common diseases in women, which can lead to complications such as pain and reduced balance. Finding a way to minimize these complications is of great importance. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the effect of eight weeks of high-intensity DNS exercises on pain, knee range of motion, and balance indices in women with knee osteoarthritis.
Methods: The research sample included 26 women with knee osteoarthritis who were randomly divided into two groups. The age, height, and weight of the experimental group were 52.25±6.13 years, 167.159 cm, and 69.08 kg, respectively, and in the control group, they were 53.21±5.33 years, 163.00 cm, and 72.14 kg. The research tests included the Y-balance test, knee range of motion, and the KOOS pain severity questionnaire. The exercise group performed DNS exercises for eight weeks, with three 70-minute sessions per week, while the control group continued their daily activities. The data were analyzed using SPSS software and repeated measures analysis of variance (p<0.05.
Results: The findings and results of the research showed that after eight weeks of DNS exercises, the experimental group had a significant improvement in all research variables compared to the control group. Specifically, there was a significant improvement in dynamic balance in the right foot (P=0.00, F=15.42) and the left foot (P=0.00, F=15.17) compared to before the DNS exercise program (p<0.05). Furthermore, DNS exercises led to a reduction in the severity of osteoarthritis pain (P=0.012, F=7.47) and an increase in the range of motion (P=0.001, F=15.55) compared to the control group.
Conclusion: The research findings suggest that DNS exercises may be a suitable exercise protocol for patients with osteoarthritis and can help reduce their pain levels.