The Effect of Self- Management Training on Performance of Elderly Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a common disease, and one of the most important causes of disability in the elderly, with impaired performance as a prominent symptom. This study was conducted to assess the effect of self-management on performance of elderly patients with knee osteoarthritis attending an orthopedic clinic.
Material & In this quasi experimental study, 88 patients with osteoarthritis of the knee were selected by convenient sampling, and consisted to intervention (44 patients) and control (44 patients) groups. Initially, performance of patients was measured using WOMAC inventory. Then, the intervention group received one 70-minute session of training program per week over 4 weeks. Next, they were given the opportunity to practice the program at home for 4 more weeks. Afterwards, performance of both groups was assessed and compared. Data collected were analyzed in SPSS-18 using Chi-square and independent t-test.
No significant difference was found between the two groups in mean performance before intervention (P>0/05) but after intervention, mean performance in the intervention group was significantly higher compared to the control group (P0.05).
Results obtained showed improved performance in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee due to self-management training program. By using appropriate diet and pain relief methods, along with exercise, patients will be able to better tolerate exercise movements, and thus improve their performance.