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RESEARCH PRODUCT

Elements of biomechanics correlated to the body mass index in knee osteoarthritis

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Introduction. Osteoarthritis is considered a complex biopsychosocial condition, with consequences for the patient, the family, society and public health. Age is considered the main risk factor in the occurrence of osteoarthritis. Studies show that 2 out of 3 obese individuals associate knee osteoarthritis whereas the incidence of the latter increases at the same time with increasing body mass index. Obesity contributes to the initiation of the process of osteoarthritis by the mechanical overload of the joint, causing cartilage damage with increasing horizontal cracks and the increased incidence of the osteophites in the knee. Purpose. We conducted a study in patients with knee osteoarthritis and body mass index with normal and high values, evaluating pain, functional capacity and maximum travel distance by applying electrotherapy and kinesiotherapy. Material and method. We studied a number of 68 patients diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis, who received as therapy electrotherapy and physiotherapy. The VAS scale, the WOMAC scale, the joint balance and the Lequesne scale were used to evaluate patients.The objectives of the study were: pain reduction, improved postural control and coordination, control of the gravity center, correction of alignment at the lower limbs, re-education of gait, obtaining a body mass index as close to normal. Results and discussions.The total group of patients was homogeneous according to age and gender. The evaluation of patients based on scales recorded superior values in the study group, with statistically significant results, worth p <0.05, which means that the hypothesis was validated. Conclusions. The use of the recovery treatment was individualized and took into account the condition of the affection, the body mass index, the ability of patients' mobility and algic symptoms.