The influence of kinesiotherapy on joint motion and process of strengthening selected muscules of leg after the episode of knee joint sprain

Introduction: Traumatic damage to the knee joint by twisting is a common health problem in people of all ages.

Aim of the research: To compare the results of 3-week complex physiotherapy (kinesiotherapy and physiotherapy) with partial physiotherapy (physical therapy) in the process of rehabilitation of the knee joint after twisting.

Material and methods: A factor differentiating groups was medical gymnastics – kinesiotherapy. Fifty patients of the Rehabilitation Unit of the District Hospital in Staszów divided into two numerically equal groups of subjects (25 people each) were assessed twice (before and after improving physiotherapy) for muscle strength and range of movement of the knee joint. Each participant of the rehabilitation had the healthy lower limb compared to the injured one treated with physiotherapy activities in terms of the above-mentioned indicators. The age of patients with damage to the knee joint was between 20 and 64 years old. The median age was 42 years. The patients were from urban and rural areas of the Staszów town region. They represented various professions.

Results: The applied physiotherapy improved muscle strength (measured in Lovett scale points) and increased the range of movements (defined in degrees with a goniometer) of the injured knee. While assessing the effects of the therapy, there was no significant difference between the groups of studied subjects who underwent complex and partial rehabilitation.

Conclusions: The obtained results of rehabilitation showed that the model of physiotherapy enhanced with physical exercise allows for faster muscle growth and increases the amplitude of the range of motion in the injured joint.