Effects of ankle joint mobilization with strength training versus conventional exercises on pain and physical function among patients with knee osteoarthritis

Background The development of knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is largely influenced by poor biomechanics in the knee and surrounding joints. Effective interventions such as ankle joint mobilization and strength training exercises have demonstrated the potential to reduce pain and improve physical function among KOA patients. This study aimed to determine the combined effects of ankle joint mobilization and strength training on pain and physical function in patients with KOA. Method The study was conducted at the outpatient Department of Physiotherapy, MAHER, and included 45 patients with KOA who were enrolled based on clinical and radiographic criteria. Patients were assigned to three groups using a convenient sampling method: group A ( n = 15) received ankle joint mobilization combined with strength training, group B ( n = 15) received conventional knee exercises, and group C ( n = 15) served as the control group. Outcomes, including pain and physical function, were measured using the WOMAC and VAS scores. Data were analyzed using both intention-to-treat and per-protocol methods, comparing baseline and post-treatment measures after 8 weeks. Results Significant reductions in pain and improvements in physical function were observed among KOA patients after 8 weeks of treatment. The F values were higher (11.51 for VAS and 572.45 for WOMAC) post-treatment, with P < 0.05, indicating significant improvements compared to pre-treatment scores. Conclusion An 8-week program of ankle joint mobilization combined with strength training exercises significantly reduced knee pain and improved physical function in individuals with knee osteoarthritis, compared to conventional care.