THE EFFECTS OF MUSCLE ENERGY TECHNIQUE AND STATIC STRETCHING OF GASTROCNEMIUS ON PAIN AND DISABILITY IN KNEE OSTEOARTHRITIS

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Knee Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative disorder and a leading cause of disability associated with pain, restricted ROM and difficul-ty in performing Activities of Daily Living (ADLs). The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of Muscle Energy Technique (MET) and static stretching on gastrocnemius muscles among the patients suffering with knee OA.

METHODOLOGY

A 2-arm Randomized Control Trial was conducted at Ziauddin Hospi-tal among 120 patients suffering with grade-II OA. Initial screening was conducted on the basis of Knee OOS. Group A received the MET whereas Group B received Static Stretching Technique both group received the treatment for three days/week for 4 weeks.

RESULTS

In initial evaluation, our results revealed that group A shows the KOOS score 0.43±0.10 that improved significantly after four weeks of treatment to 0.49±0.14. Our results revealed that at 95% CI, the KOOS score of patients significantly improved in both the groups p<0.05

CONCLUSION

Our study concluded that Muscle Energy Technique is found to be more effective technique in reducing pain and functional disability in knee OA patients.

KEYWORDS

Pain, Degenerative, Osteoarthritis, Symptoms, Limitation of Activity, Rehabilitation

Amna Aamir Khan

Assistant Professor

Ziauddin College of Rehabilitation Sciences

Ziauddin University

[email protected]

 

Jaza Rizvi

Lecturer

Ziauddin College of Rehabilitation Sciences

Ziauddin University

[email protected]

[Khan AA, Rizvi J. The Effects of MET And Static Stretching of Gastrocne-mius on Pain and Disability in Knee Osteoarthritis. Pak. j. rehabil. 2018;7(2)32-37]

INTRODUCTION

Knee Osteoarthritis (OA) is considered as the lead-ing cause of disability between both men and women. The disease associated with pain, restricted range of motion and deformity leading to difficulty in performing Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and poor quality of life1-2. With the increase in life expec-tancy, the prevalence of OA is 28% in rural and 25% in urban areas3. However, OA is incurable therefore the aim of management of knee OA is to conserve the function and enhance quality of life1. Therefore, the classical presentation of OA occurs with limited range of motion of knee joint leading to swelling, loss of quadriceps strength and formation of bony spurs4. Therefore, functional impairment is lost due to failure of voluntary activation5. In addition, the biomechanical changes with respect to patho-physiological consequences of OA cause alter-ations in articular cartilage and surrounding ligaments thereby increases the joint compression and load6. Furthermore, lack of quadriceps and hamstrings co-activation in OA leads to greater instability among women7. Additional factors associated with OA are gender, family history, overuse of joints, obesity etc. Among all, obesity is more prevalent in degenerative diseases as the pressure on knee increases whereas weight is shifted downwards which directly affects the articu-lar cartilage8.

Number of studies reported the benefits of manual therapy techniques used in combination with joint mobility and strengthening exercises in order to improve functional performance and decrease symptoms9. Similarly, several exercise training programs in strengthening of quadriceps and ham-strings have been documented whereas limited evidence is available on training protocols for strengthening of gastrocnemius muscles. Amidst variety of techniques available, one of the renowned and advance stretching manual tech-nique named as Muscle Energy Technique (MET) has been distinguished for releasing the contrac-tures, stretching of muscles and increasing the ROM10. On the contrary, static stretching may be considered as a preferable method to enhance flexibility and joint ROM due to its feasibility11. How-ever, inadequate evidence is available on static stretching to prevent risk of musculoskeletal disor-ders and improving overall flexibility and restricted joint ROM.

Another study conducted to determine impact of MET to improve hamstrings flexibility among colle-giate males12. Outcomes of the study concluded that MET not only increases the muscle length but also increases the tolerance to stretch by biome-chanical and neurophysiological changes to connective tissue. As MET prompts these mecha-nisms therefore the underlying changes addresses to both ROM and muscle stiffness following the application of the technique.

Number of studies also reported the significance of post isometric relaxation technique in hamstrings flexibility which increases ROM and reduces muscle spasm13. Moreover, strong evidence derived from the recent researches concluded that MET has great influence on tight muscles as it releases the muscles at faster rate than any other technique and ultimately increases the joint range of motion and muscle flexibility14.

Multiple trials using MET or stretching technique has been conducted on neck pain which concluded that both techniques are individually beneficial in management of mechanical neck pain15. However, when compared, MET seem to be more effective than stretching in reducing pain and functional disability. Whereas, limited evidence is found on using MET in patients with musculoskeletal disorders like OA, tendinitis, fibromyalgia etc.

In addition, MET can be used as an adjunct therapy in reducing pain and functional disability in various pain categories. Furthermore, the finding of recent studies suggests that exercise-based physiotherapy interventions may reduce the prerequisite for surgeries or other treatments like knee arthroplasty, intra-articular injections etc. Yet, the efficacy of combinations of exercises and their dosage is still unclear16. In order to provide exercise based physio-therapy intervention, this study aims to intervene the MET and stretching exercise particularly on gastroc-nemius muscles to evaluate the resulting changes in pain and disability.

METHODOLOGY

Study Setting

The study was conducted at the outpatient depart-ment of rehabilitation sciences Dr. Ziauddin Hospital in all three campuses that were Kemari, Clifton and North Nazimabad.

Target Population

The patients with knee osteoarthritis grade-II were enrolled in the study

Study Design

A single blind, two-arm Randomized Controlled Trial was conducted

Duration of Study

8 months.

Sample Technique

A simple random sampling technique was done through toss a coin method here patients receiving heads were enrolled in group A whereas all the tails were sent in group B.

Inclusion/Exclusion Criteria

Patients aged 40-60 years including both genders suffering with grade II osteoarthritis were selected for the study17. Patients with surgery within six months (6 months)18, systemic bone diseases17, total knee replacement19 and with intra-articular injections were excluded from the study20.

Data Collection Procedure

The patients were recruited from the Ziauddin hospi-tal that came in out-patient physical therapy department. Initially, patient was assessed accord-ing to inclusion criteria, and the procedure was explained prior. A written consent form was taken from the patient assuring their voluntary participa-tion. One hundred and twenty patients were randomly and equally divided into two subgroups where Group A received the Muscle Energy Tech-nique and Group B received static stretching tech-nique. Patients received intervention on every alter-native day in a week for 3 days per week for 4 weeks. The treatment was given under the supervi-sion of trained senior Physical therapist. Patients were assessed for Knee related disability via KOOS scale (Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score) at the start of the first session where pain, symptoms, activities of daily living (ADL), function in Sport and Recreational activities and knee-related quality of life (QOL) were documented. This scale was based on Likert comprising of never, rarely, sometimes, often and always criteria. Symptoms comprises of seven questions, pain nine, ADLs seventeen, sports five and quality of life four. The pain was reported on the frequency, intensity and its associated factors. Moreover, the symptoms and stiffness were documented based on the severity of osteoarthritis. For ADLs stair climbing, sitting, stand-ing, bending, walking, driving, shopping, clothing, toileting, bathing, lying and domestic duties were considered. For sports squatting, running, jumping, twisting, turning and kneeling were documented. Quality of life consisted of awareness, life style modi-fication, lack of confidence and difficulties were reported. Good to excellent reliability and validity of KOOS has already been documented (Cron-bach’s alpha: pain 0.91; symptoms 0.75; ADLs 0.96; function in sports and recreation 0.86 and knee-re-lated Quality of Life is 0.74). Patient was reassessed after the end of 6th session and at the end of 12th session in a same manner.

Treatment Protocol for Group A (MET)

Post Isometric Relaxation (PIR) protocol was given in MET training. Initially, hot pack was applied for 10 minutes to increase the blood supply while the patient was supine lying on a comfortable plinth with leg straight, therapist holding the ankle with his/her hand. Then patient was asked to perform planter flexion with resistance provided by the therapist in a way that there was no movement at ankle joint (isometric contraction). Patient was advised to hold it for 7-10 seconds (while pushing the therapist hand patient applied only mild force. After it therapist stretched the gastrocnemius by its full available pain free range and hold it for 10 seconds. This procedure was repeated 4-5 times per session18.

Treatment Protocol for Group B (Static Stretching) Patient lie supine on a comfortable plinth with straight leg, hot pack applied over the calf muscles for 10 minutes before initiating the static stretching technique to increase the blood supply over the muscles. Therapist performed the dorsiflexion and hold it for 30 seconds followed by 15-20 seconds rest, 20 stretches were performed in each session21.

DATA ANALYSIS

Data was analyzed and interpreted on SPSS (Statisti-cal Package for Social Sciences) version 22.0. Descriptive statistics was performed for participants’ demographic characteristics. Paired T-test was applied for within the group analysis while indepen-dent T-test was executed for between the group post mean differences whereas, significant P-value < 0.05 was considered for both the groups.

RESULT

Total 120 participants, 60 in each group respectively completed the protocol with mean age of 50.7±5.59 in Group A with 30 male and female subjects correspondingly whereas in Group B, 35 participants were male and 25 were females with mean age of 51.51±6.25. Participants were assessed on KOOS at 4 weeks pre and post intervention; moreover no loss of attrition has been reported. Baseline Characteristics of participants are shown in Table-1.

Within group analysis was performed using paired T-test at 95% of CI and critical value f 5%. The results revealed that pre-post analysis of 5% of alpha was found to be significant p<0.05 in both the groups from baseline till four weeks. The total pre KOOS

mean after MET training improved from 0.43±0.10 to 0.60±0.90 after 4 weeks whereas in stretching group it improved from 0.49±0.14 to 0.58±0.16. Therefore an overall mean difference of 0.16 and 0.08 was found respectively as shown in Table-2.

The change in the KOOS sub-scales was deter-mined through Independent T-test after 4 weeks of training. The difference between the two groups was analyzed using post mean values of compo-nents. In general, Group A reported significant improvement (p<0.05) in comparison to Group B with mean value of 0.62±0.01 on total KOOS post the intervention as shown in Table-3

Interestingly, KOOS ADLs of Group A showed marked increase of 0.70±0.10 as compared to Group B with 0.65±0.19 mean value. Similarly for Group A, Sports and Recreation values increases 0.55±0.12, whereas Group B showed no difference with mean of 0.14±0.25 respectively. Furthermore, QoL in group A also increased after receiving 4 weeks of treatment 0.60±0.13 where moderate improvement was reported in Group B with 0.54±0.15 post mean values when compared to baseline. In comparison, sub-scales of pain and symptoms showed significant improvement in both the groups as represented in Table-3

DISCUSSION

Our study shows that the group receiving MET treat-ment has marked improvement on KOOS subscale-when compared with stretching group. Therefore, increasing the quality of life and decreasing the functional disability. However, stretching method was found to be equally effective in reducing pain and symptoms of osteoarthritis but showed no signif-icant improvement in ADLs. Hence the technique is least likely to be effective then MET. Number of studies have supported MET as an effective treatment protocol. In particular, a study conduct-ed by Abdelkarim22 observed the viability of static stretching and MET on hamstrings among patients with post-burn contractures. The outcomes of the study inferred that MET proved to be beneficial than static stretching in the duration of eight days of treatment as MET prompt the relaxation of hypoton-ic musculature and consequent extending of the muscle in comparison to static stretching. On the contrary, Kostopolouset al23shows a massive pain decrease within the group when applying stretch-ing of upper trapezius, yet the impact is still unknown.

However, the impact of conventional treatment cannot be ignored that comprises of application of heat, stretching and strengthening exercises. As multiple studies has shown significant results and is routinely practiced in the clinical settings. In addi-tion, Brakke and Schencking24 reported impact of TENS electrical stimulation on knee OA patients in comparison to other treatment approaches. Results of the study reported that stretching exercises have better outcomes than any other modalities in conventional rehabilitation of OA.

Although Shenouda25shows that stretching and MET are similarly effective protocols for improving the ROM and decreasing pain. Similar results were obtained in our study when pain was markedly reduced in MET group 0.66±0.10 whereas for stretching it was 0.62±0.18. This was further endorsed in a study conducted by Paremeret al26. Despite the fact that MET was successful in several studies, the assessment parameters with respect to patient’s functional disability did not fulfill the long term effects of interventions. Moreover, Robertset al27 indicated the short-term effects of MET to decrease pain, muscle tension, spasm and increase strength. Therefore the effects in the study lasted from a few seconds to minutes, but if continued MET protocol is applied then these effects may last for longer dura-tion. Researchers today have been unclear regard-ing the response of a single MET session.

Interestingly, the results obtained in the MET group with respect to activities of daily living and quality of life showed significant results in the within group analysis ADLs: Pre 0.50±0.13, Post: 0.70±0.10, QoL: Pre:0.40±0.16, Post 0.60±0.13. These results were consistent with the study conducted by Sharmila28 et al on MET where it was reported as favorable treatment approach. Although MET and stretching are broadly used within the discipline of physical therapy but research usage of these two strategies are limited to symptomatic population.

Interestingly, static stretching had also shown to be effective to enhance ROM of knee joint as Day et al29 shows 30 minutes of stretching increased in fascicle length of the soleus and lateral gastrocne-mius about eight millimeter(8-mm). Moreover, Maguusonet al30 have also suggested a 4 weeks of static stretch to improve the flexibility. Usually stretching exercises helps in increasing the ROM that ultimately impacts the athletic performance. The KOOS sports and recreational score in the stretching group also showed improvements Pre: 0.09±0.15, post 0.14±0.25. Our results were statistical-ly significant (p<0.05) but clinically non-significant.

As noticed in our study, MET was successful in reduc-ing pain and symptoms, enhancing the ADLs, QoL and Sports and recreational activities in comparison with stretching of knee OA within the treatment in knee OA pain. The overall impact of MET on the KOOS scale was higher when compared with the stretching group (MET Post: 0.60±0.09; Stretching Post 0.58±0.16) with both statistically and clinically significant results (p<0.05).

Consequently, KOOS outcome scores were signifi-cant to evaluate long term status of the patients therefore it provided a better estimation on overall quality of life, daily living activities and associated pain or symptoms of the disease. It was observed in a 1-year follow-up study in which participants’ pain was evaluated on Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) during the knee joint movement. The parameter was assessed on Pain items in KOOS questionnaire in patients who performed exercises showed better results than the control group31. Activities on KOOS scale represented improved ability of the patients in activities such as walking and bathing. Consecu-tively, the questionnaire also reported the gradual reduction of pain and symptoms related to the severity of disease whereas evaluates the long-term status after recommencing of ADL’s and sports activities.

CONCLUSION

Our study concluded that Muscle Energy Technique is found to be more effective rehabilitation tech-nique in reducing pain and functional disability in knee OA patients. Also, MET has shown to be a markedly beneficial technique in improving Activity of Daily Living and Quality of Life on Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score. Although the tradi-tional technique that is static stretching technique has also shown significant improvement in decreas-ing pain and symptoms of the disorders on KOOS sub-scales but larger scale studies are to be conducted considering all the grades of osteoar-thritis separately and comparing the results of improvements. Moreover, other conservative treat-ment therapies should also be documented in future studies.

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