Background and purpose of study:

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint condition causing cartilage loss, joint narrowing, and varus deformity, leading to iliotibial band (ITB) tightness, pain, and restricted mobility. Conventional treatments like stretching and strengthening offer relief, while emerging methods like vibration therapy and Integrated Neuromuscular Inhibition Technique (INIT) show promise. Vibration therapy reduces muscle tightness, whereas INIT combines ischemic compression, positional release, and isometric stretching. This study will compare the effectiveness of vibration therapy versus INIT on ITB tightness in knee OA using Ober’s Test, VAS, TUG, and WOMAC outcome measures.. The effectiveness of local vibration and integrated neuromuscular inhibition technique, is not well-established due to limited research. Hence, we intend to study and compare the effectiveness of these two techniques on ITB tightness in knee osteoarthritis

INTERVENTION:

GROUP A: Conventional exercise + Local Vibration

GROUP B: CONVENTIONAL exercises + INIT

CONVENTIONAL EXERCISES: 

WEEK 1:

1) Cryotherapy - 10 mins

2) Ankle toe movements & rotations - 10 reps

3) Statics (Quadriceps, Hamstrings, Glutes) - 5 sec hold x 10 reps

4) Vastus Medialis Oblique Strengthening - 5 sec hold x 10 reps

5) Hip Knee Flexion - 10 reps

6) Straight leg Abduction & Raises - 10 reps

7) Hip Clamps- 5 sec hold x 10 reps

8) Dynamic Quadriceps exercise –5 sec hold x 10 reps

9) Hamstrings stretching & TA – 30 sec each x 2reps

Week 2

10) Aerobic Straight leg raises-20 reps

11) Aerobic Straight leg abduction- 20 reps

12) Pelvic Bridging - 5 sec hold x 10 reps

13) Prone Hip Extension – 10 reps

14)  Heel and toe raises - 10 reps

15) One Leg Standing - 30 sec each leg

16) Mat walking ( forward, backward, sideways)

17) Stepping - 10 reps each leg

18) Cycling exercise 10 reps