Periodization of Exercise in Knee Osteoarthritis Patients

Knee osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition that affects the knee joint and can cause pain, swelling, and limited movement in patients. The management of knee osteoarthritis involves the use of medications, physical therapy, and lifestyle modifications, including therapeutic exercise. Periodization of exercise in knee osteoarthritis patients is a structured approach to planning exercise by considering the severity of osteoarthritis, exercise goals, and individual patient abilities.

The first stage in the periodization of exercise in knee osteoarthritis patients is the recovery or initial recovery stage. At this stage, the goal of exercise is to reduce pain, reduce inflammation, and increase joint stability. Recommended exercises may involve isometric exercises to strengthen the muscles around the knee joint without moving the joint itself, such as isometric contractions of the quadriceps or hamstring muscles. Low-load aerobic exercise, such as cycling or walking, can also be recommended to increase blood circulation and improve the patient's cardiorespiratory condition.

After the initial recovery stage, the next stage in training periodization is the advanced recovery stage. At this stage, the goal of exercise is to increase the strength of the muscles around the knee joint and increase joint mobility. Weight-bearing exercises, such as resistance training with dumbbells or weight machines, can be introduced to strengthen the muscles that support the knee joint. Functional exercises, which involve more complex movements such as squatting or half-squatting, can also be introduced to improve the patient's ability to perform daily activities.

The next stage in the periodization of exercise in knee osteoarthritis patients is the maintenance or long-term maintenance stage. At this stage, the aim of training is to maintain muscle strength and joint mobility that have been achieved in the previous stage. Regular exercise, such as light resistance training and low-load aerobic exercise, must be done regularly to maintain the patient's physical condition. Physical therapy, such as physiotherapy or hydrotherapy, may also be part of the exercise program at this stage to help maintain the patient's physical condition and manage the symptoms of knee osteoarthritis.

Apart from that, in periodizing exercise for knee osteoarthritis patients, it is also important to pay attention to the principles of safe and effective exercise. Patients should be closely monitored by trained medical personnel during exercise to avoid injury or the exacerbation of osteoarthritis symptoms.

Download the Hermina Mobile Apps application to facilitate health access and registration at Hermina Arcamanik Hospital.