Investigation of the Effectiveness of Wii-Based Exercise Play Therapy in Knee Osteoarthritis Rehabilitation

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a slowly progressive, chronic and degenerative joint disease frequently seen in the knee and hip joints. OA is not only involved in degenerative changes of cartilage, but can also be a result of capsular hypertrophy, osteophytes, subchondral bone sclerosis, ulcerations, fibrillations. It progressively impairs the patient's independence, mobility and participation in social life, thus reducing the overall quality of life. Edema, stiffness, instability, decreased muscle strength, impaired range of motion and proprioceptive sensation, increased incidence of falls are seen together with the main symptom of pain. In OA, treatment options are available to manage symptoms and optimize quality of life. In clinical guidelines, evidence-based treatment for Osteoarthritis may include patient education and self-management programs that integrate weight management, structured exercise, and physical activity. Closed kinetic chain exercises have gained importance in the rehabilitation of many musculoskeletal problems in the last 20 years and have become one of the most preferred exercises. In addition, the virtual reality treatment approach, which is the most common example of technology use in rehabilitation, has also started to take place in rehabilitation studies. The aim of this project is to investigate the effects of Wii-based video-based exercise game therapy on muscle strength, proprioception, postural control and functional level in knee osteoarthritis rehabilitation.