Investigation of the Effect of Movement Mobilization Concept on Quantitative Sensory Parameters, Pain, Muscle Activation Levels in Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis
Individuals with knee osteoarthritis are one of the groups most affected by musculoskeletal disorders and experience pain and mobility limitations that significantly limit their daily living activities. Quantitative sensory assessment in individuals with osteoarthritis plays a critical role in evaluating disease progression and treatment effectiveness by objectively measuring changes in sensory perception such as proprioception and nociception. These changes in sensory perception can negatively affect individuals' movement control and balance. In this context, evaluation of quantitative sensory parameters allows the development of more targeted and effective interventions in the rehabilitation processes of individuals with osteoarthritis. Additionally, electromyographic evaluation in individuals with osteoarthritis analyzes muscle activation levels, providing a better understanding of the impairments in muscle functions of these individuals. EMG data helps to design rehabilitation programs individually by determining to what degree muscles are activated and which muscle groups are more affected. Decreased muscle activation or abnormal muscle activation in individuals with osteoarthritis can negatively affect joint stability and mobility. Therefore, EMG evaluations are an objective method to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment strategies aimed at restoration of muscle functions in individuals with osteoarthritis. The quantitative sensory and EMG evaluations performed in this project aim to improve the quality of life of individuals by offering innovative approaches in the clinical management of individuals with osteoarthritis. Therefore, these evaluations are of critical importance for the original value and scientific contribution of our project. For these reasons, the selection of individuals with osteoarthritis and the detailed evaluations made on these individuals and its connection with the methods can be considered as the innovative and original aspect of our project. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of the Mulligan movement mobilization concept on quantitative sensory parameters, pain and muscle activation levels in patients with knee osteoarthritis.
• Diagnosing knee OA according to the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria (Primary knee OA diagnosis)
• Stage 2 or 3 patients according to Kellgren-Lawrence radiological staging criteria
• Patients with a disease duration of 6 months or longer
• Participants aged between 50 and 70
• Being able to walk without using assistive devices
• Body mass index is below 35 kg/m²
• Pain intensity must be between 3 and 7 according to the Numerical Pain Rating Scale
• Not having received physiotherapy in the last year.