ABSTRACT

Background: Chronic knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a progressive degenerative condition that impairs balance and physical function, increasing the risk of falls and disability. Rehabilitation approaches such as retro-walking (RW) and instability resistance training (IRT) have shown potential in improving functional outcomes, but their comparative effectiveness remains unclear. Aims And Objective: (1) To evaluate the impact of Retro-walking on balance and physical function. (2) To evaluate the impact of Instability resistance training on balance and physical function. (3) To compare the effect of Retro-walking and Instability resistance training in improving balance and physical function in patients with OA of knee. Methods And Materials: A randomized controlled trial was conducted on patients with chronic knee OA. 40 participants were randomly divided into two groups: Group A received Retro-walking protocol and Group B underwent Instability resistance training thrice a week for 4 weeks. Balance (TUG Test) and Physical function (WOMAC) were assessed pre- and post- intervention.Results: Group A demonstrated a mean improvement of 9.98 in balance and a 38.15% improvement in physical function. In comparison, Group B showed a greater improvement of 11.52 in balance and a 49.41% improvement in physical function, suggesting that IRT was more effective. Conclusion: Both techniques improved balance and physical function but, Instability resistance training had a greater effect than Retro-walking. Keywords: Knee Osteoarthritis, Balance, Retro-Walking, Instability Resistance Training, Physical function, Rehabilitation.
Publication date: 01/06/2026

https://www.ijbpas.com/pdf/2026/June/MS_IJBPAS_2026_10268.pdf

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https://doi.org/10.31032/IJBPAS/2026/15.6.10268