Effectiveness of Combined Exercise and Physiotherapy Intervention in Improving Functional Activity of Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis in Muslim Pray Movements

Purpose: Developing effective interventions for relieving the pain and improving the physical function of the knee in Muslim pray movements is of great importance in facilitating religious commitments and improving the general quality of life (QoL). However, the effects of the exercise intervention duration on the functional activity of knee osteoarthritis (OA) patients in performing daily life activities, including Muslim pray movements, are not yet clear. Hence, this study investigated the effectiveness of combined exercise and physiotherapy intervention for 6 or 12 weeks on the functional activity of individuals with knee OA. Methods: Thirty Muslim participants diagnosed with knee OA were recruited and assigned into three groups. Groups 1 and 2 received combined exercise and physiotherapy intervention for 12 weeks and 6 weeks, respectively, while Group 3 underwent 18 sessions of regular physiotherapy only. Measurements included knee function (WOMAC), visual analogue scale (VAS), six-minute walking test (6MWT), chair stand test, and 36-item Short Form Survey (SF-36). One-way ANOVA was conducted to determine whether any significant differences existed among the variables in the three groups. Two-way mixed ANOVA was additionally performed to analyze the interaction between the three groups and the sample time (baseline, first and second follow-up). Results: The groups which received combined exercise and physiotherapy intervention (Groups 1 and 2) showed a significant improvement in the five items of the WOMAC scale indirectly relevant to Muslim pray movements from baseline to follow-up. An improvement in the pain level, 6 MWT, chair stand test, and SF-36 was also observed in Group 1 (combined exercise and physiotherapy intervention for 12 weeks). Conclusion: The implementation of combined exercise and physiotherapy intervention for 12 weeks has a beneficial effect on improving the knee function and reducing the pain intensity of individuals with knee OA when performing daily life activities, including Muslim pray movements.