Abstract
This study examined changes in total quasi-WOMAC functional scores and the percentage of patients with difficulties in each item, as well as changes in each functional item by severity of illness, in outpatients with knee osteoarthritis during a 3-month period of physical therapy intervention. The subjects were 40 outpatients (8 males and 32 females) diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis, with a mean age of 73 (54-88) years. The total quasi-WOMAC functional score and each item were evaluated. Each functional factor, isometric knee extension muscle strength, knee joint flexion and extension ROM, walking speed, stride length, and gait rate in a 10-m walk, Timed up and go test, postural stability index in the standing position, and distance of center of gravity shift from front to back and left to right, were evaluated at the initial evaluation and after 3 months, respectively.The total quasi-WOMAC functional score improved significantly in all subjects and in the mild and severe groups. The percentage of subjects with difficulty in each item and the change in each functional factor between the time of initial intervention and after 3 months of intervention were greater in all subjects and the mild group than in the severe group. Conclusion: General outpatient physical therapy intervention for knee OA may be effective in improving ADL ability and basic physical function. The results suggest that general outpatient physical therapy intervention for knee OA may be effective in improving ADL and basic physical functions．
