The frequency of visits by the physiotherapist of patients receiving home-based exercise therapy for knee osteoarthritis

Knee. 2004 Apr;11(2):151-3. doi: 10.1016/S0968-0160(03)00077-2.

Abstract

Although home-based physiotherapy (PT) has an important role in the management of knee osteoarthritis (OA), the optimal frequency of monitoring by the physiotherapist is not known. Ninety-six patients with bilateral Kellgren Lawrence grade 3 OA were divided into two groups. All patients received the same PT program but group 1 was monitored at 1, 2, 3, 6, 12 and 24 weeks, while group 2 was seen at 3 and 24 weeks. At the end of the study, both groups had improved their Hospital for Special Surgery score (P<0.05), and there was no statistically significant difference between the groups. We conclude that the frequency of visits for a home-based exercise program can be decreased without affecting the success of the therapy.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Female
  • Home Care Services*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Osteoarthritis, Knee / rehabilitation*
  • Outpatient Clinics, Hospital
  • Physical Therapy Modalities*
  • Treatment Outcome