International Journal of Physical Therapy Research & Practice

Effectiveness of a Smartphone Application to Improve Home Exercise Adherence in Adults with Knee Osteoarthritis in Saudi Arabia: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Lujain Aldahash, Hana Alsobayel — Sat, 31 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent condition globally, with poor adherence to home exercise programs (HEPs) posing a major barrier to effective management. This study examined the impact of a smartphone-based HEP with motivational text messaging on adherence, pain, and physical function among adults with knee OA in Saudi Arabia. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 42 participants diagnosed with knee OA, recruited from a clinic at King Fahad Medical City (KFMC). Participants were randomized into two groups: the intervention group (n = 21) received a HEP delivered via WhatsApp with motivational text messages, while the control group (n = 21) received a paper-based HEP. Outcomes included self-reported adherence, pain (measured by visual analogue scale), and physical function (assessed using the Arabic version of the WOMAC physical function subscale). Assessments were conducted at baseline and at 6 weeks by a physical therapist with six years of experience. Results: At 6 weeks, the intervention group demonstrated significantly greater adherence (p = 0.001), lower pain scores (p = 0.017), and improved physical function (p = 0.001) compared to the control group. Conclusion: Delivering a HEP via a smartphone application with motivational text messaging may significantly improve adherence, reduce pain, and enhance physical function in adults with knee OA.

Keywords Knee Osteoarthritis, Tele Rehabilitation, Exercise Therapy, Smartphone, Mobile Applications, Treatment Adherence and Compliance.

The Relationship Between Perceived Stress Levels and Low Back Pain in Physical Therapy Students at Jazan University

Sat, 31 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Low back pain (LBP) is a prevalent musculoskeletal issue among university students, particularly those in physically demanding programs such as physical therapy. Psychological stress, a common experience among students, has been identified as a potential risk factor for musculoskeletal pain. However, the association between perceived psychological stress and LBP in physical therapy students remains underexplored. Objective: This study aimed to determine the relationship between perceived stress levels and low back pain in physical therapy students at Jazan University. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among physical therapy students at Jazan University between October and November 2024. Participants aged 18–30 years were surveyed using a structured questionnaire, which included the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) to assess psychological stress and a standard LBP screening questionnaire. Sociodemographic variables and health-related behaviors were also collected. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests were used to analyze the data. Results: Out of 170 participants, 88% reported experiencing LBP. The majority of students (47.06%) exhibited moderate stress levels, and 28.24 % reported high stress levels. A statistically significant association was found between higher perceived stress levels and the presence of LBP (p < 0.05). Female students reported a higher prevalence of both stress and LBP compared to male students. Conclusion: This study highlights a significant relationship between psychological stress and low back pain among physical therapy students. These findings underscore the importance of implementing stress management and ergonomic education programs within academic settings to reduce the risk of musculoskeletal disorders.

Association Between Hip Strength and Dynamic Balance in Stroke Survivors with Coexisting Knee Osteoarthritis

Debjani Mukherjee, Fuzail Ahmad — Sat, 31 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Stroke patients often experience impaired balance and mobility, which may be exacerbated by comorbid knee osteoarthritis (OA). Hip muscle weakness is a key contributor to reduced dynamic stability in these populations. Objective: To examine the association between hip muscle strength and dynamic balance in stroke survivors with and without knee OA. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 37 post-stroke participants (20 without OA, 17 with OA). Hip flexion and extension strength were assessed using manual muscle testing (MMT). Balance was evaluated via One-Leg Stance (OLS), Center of Pressure (COP) range and sway, and the Functional Reach Test (FRT). Results: Stroke patients with OA demonstrated significantly lower hip strength and impaired balance performance compared to those without OA. Hip flexor and extensor strength on the affected side showed moderate correlations with OLS (r = 0.52), COP sway (r = 0.49), and FRT (r = 0.45). The OA group had reduced OLS time (p < 0.05) and a smaller COP range. Conclusion: Hip muscle weakness is significantly associated with compromised dynamic balance in stroke patients with knee OA, underscoring the importance of hip-focused rehabilitation strategies in this population.