Association between ischiotibial muscle flexibility, functional capacity and pain in patients with knee osteoarthritis

Abstract

Objective

To determine the association between flexibility of the ischiotibial muscles, function and pain in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA).

Methods

A total of 33 patients of both genders with an age greater than or equal to 40 years, clinically diagnosed with osteoarthritis in one or both knees with radiographic evidence of the disease, were recruited and evaluated. Participants underwent the WOMAC questionnaire, along with measurements of flexibility using a Lafayette flexometer and the Back Saver Sit and Reach test. The correlation between the WOMAC questionnaire and its three components (pain, stiffness and functional limitation) was recorded. Total flexibility was obtained from the mean measurement of both knees.

Results

A statistically significant correlation between the global WOMAC score and flexibility was found (−0.38, p = 0.02). When the components were analyzed separately, a statistically significant correlation between total flexibility and functional limitation (−0.40, p = 0.01) was evident; however, this was not so with the components of pain and stiffness.

Conclusions

Greater ischiotibial flexibility reduces pain, stiffness, and significant functional limitation in patients with knee OA. These results show that it is important to prescribe flexibility exercises during physical therapy in these patients.