Effects of retro-walking in knee osteoarthritis patients along with conventional physical therapy

Objective: To determine the effects of retro-walking on pain, physical functional disability, step and stride length in knee osteoarthritis patients. Methodology: This randomized controlled trial was conducted at the Riphah International Hospital, Islamabad from August 2023 to January 2024. A total of 28 patients with knee OA (grade 1 and 2) were allocated randomly via sealed enveloped method in Group A (Retro-walking along with conventional physical therapy) and B (Conventional physical therapy only). The treatment was given 3 times a week for a total of 6 weeks. Study variables were NPRS, Physical functional Disability through WOMAC, step and stride length. Data were analyzed through SPSS 25. Results: There was significant difference among both groups in all outcome variables and within group analysis showed that retro-walking had significant impact in reducing pain, physical functional disability and improving step and stride length (p<0.05). Conclusion: Retro-walking along with conventional physical therapy had significant effect on reducing pain, physical functional disability and improving step and stride length.