Volume 2 Issue 2, February 2018 www.ijarp.org 92 International Journal of Advanced Research and Publications ISSN: 2456-9992 Comparative Effects Of Russian Current And Isometric Resisted Exercise On Quadriceps Angle And Joint Space Width Among Patients With Primary Knee Osteoarthritis John O. Omole, Michael O. Egwu, Adesola O. Ojoawo, Abiola O. Ogundele Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex, Physiotherapy Department, OAUTHC, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria, PH- +2347032545870 elidrwiz@yahoo.com Obafemi Awolowo University, College of Health Sciences, Department of Medical Rehabilitation, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria, PH- +2348033739499 megwu@oauife.edu.ng Obafemi Awolowo University, College of Health Sciences, Department of Medical Rehabilitation, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria, PH- +2348033567577 aoojoawo@yahoo.com Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex, Physiotherapy Department, OAUTHC, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria, PH- +2348162760502 abiolaogundele@yahoo.com Abstract: Background: Beneficial effects of Isometric Resisted Exercise (IRE) in the rehabilitation of patients with primary Knee Osteoarthritis (OA) are sometimes restricted due to associated co-morbidities. Objective: This study compared the effects of Russian Current (RC) and IRE in the management of patients with primary knee OA. Methods: A hospital-based quasi-experimental study was conducted in a tertiary hospital in Osun State. Forty-seven consenting patients with knee OA participated in this study. They were randomly assigned to either IRE only (IREO) group or IRE plus RC (IRERC) group. Each participant received treatment twice a week for a total of eight weeks. Effects of intervention were assessed in terms of quadriceps angle and joint space width at the 4 th and 8 th week of intervention. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics with alpha set at p<0.05. Result: IRERC and IREO resulted in a significant mean change in quadriceps angle (IRERC – p=0.005: IREO – p=0.001) score. However, there was no significant mean change in joint space width of both groups (IRERC – p=0.334: IREO – p=0.433). Furthermore, there was no significant difference in the mean changes in quadriceps angle and joint space width scores between IRE plus RC and IRE only groups (p>0.05). Conclusion: Isometric resisted exercise alone had a significant effect on quadriceps angle in patients with primary knee OA. However, Russian current did not show additional effects. Keywords: Electrical stimulation, Isometric resisted exercise, Primary knee Osteoarthritis, Russian current 1. Introduction Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is characterized by degeneration of normal cartilage which is progressive and debilitating due to irreversible changes in the matrix structure of the joint [1]. Pathological changes in cartilage structure with radiological evidence of osteophytes and narrowing joint space resulting in perceived pain and in extreme cases disability are all classical signs of knee OA [2]. The rate of knee OA increases with age with females more predisposed to knee OA than their male counterparts [3]. Knee OA can be classified as either primary or secondary. Identifiable risk factors for primary knee OA include aging or heredity even though the majority of cases are idiopathic [4]. Joint degeneration triggers like infections, congenital deformity, trauma including repetitive micro-trauma due to certain occupations like football or farming are the risk factors seen in secondary knee OA [2], [4]-[5]. Amongst the earliest symptoms of knee OA is pain, which is mainly a dull aching pain occurring intermittently and during periods of inactivity. This later progresses to a cramp-like pain occurring continuously usually after activity [6]. Pain, either acute or chronic lead to a reduction in joint range of motion and quadriceps weakness which in turn could result in disability particularly the older age group [7]. The etiology and progression of knee OA are mainly due to weak quadriceps which leads to an undue stress across the knee [3]. Abnormal quadriceps-angle (Q-angle) can result in a weak quadriceps apart from knee pain. The Q-angle is the angle between the quadriceps muscles (primarily the rectus femoris) and the patellar tendon and represents the angle of the quadriceps muscle force [8]. The normal Q-angle for healthy men is 13 degrees while for women is 18 degrees [9]. In Nigeria, a study was conducted to find out if these angles were also seen in the general population. The result showed that both the Nigerian and Caucasian men had the same Q-angle while the Nigerian women had an average of 3 degrees more than that of Caucasian women [10]. An increased Q-angle away from the normal values has been linked to weak quadriceps especially the medial quadriceps [11]. while a decreased Q-angle may result in an increased pressure to the tibiofemoral joint medially thereby increasing the varus orientation [12]. Joint space narrowing (JSN) occurs due to the erosion of the cartilage as part of the degenerative process associated with arthritis but the best method of evaluating the progression of the cartilage destruction is through measurement of joint space width