Cabbage Leaf Application in Knee Osteoarthritis

Among non-pharmacological treatment methods, herbal therapies are widely used, and cabbage leaves are recognized for their analgesic and anti-edematous effects. Previous studies indicate that patients often use cabbage leaves for breast engorgement and joint pain, and their strong antioxidant, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory properties have been demonstrated. This study aims to examine the effects of cabbage leaf application on pain, physical function, and quality of life in patients with knee osteoarthritis. This research is designed as an experimental, mixed-method, randomized controlled trial with a pretest-posttest structure. It will be conducted at the Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation outpatient clinic and inpatient units of Şırnak State Hospital between 01.08.2025 and 01.08.2026. A total of 90 patients will be included and randomly assigned to three groups of 30 participants: those receiving room-temperature cabbage leaf application (Experimental Group 1), those receiving traditionally prepared cabbage leaf application (Experimental Group 2), and those receiving no cabbage leaf application (Control Group). Data will be collected using the Patient Information Form, A-VAS, WOMAC, and the Mini-OAKHQoL-TR Scale. Experimental groups will receive a daily 2-hour cabbage leaf application for 4 weeks, while the control group will receive routine care only. Measurements will be conducted at weeks 1 and 4. Data will be analyzed using SPSS 22.0. Descriptive statistics will summarize the sample. Normality will be tested with the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. For normally distributed data, independent t-test, paired t-test, ANOVA, and ANCOVA will be used; for non-normal data, Mann-Whitney U, Kruskal-Wallis H, Wilcoxon signed-rank, and Friedman tests will be applied. This study aims to contribute evidence supporting non-pharmacological interventions as alternative or complementary approaches in managing joint and knee pain. Such applications may help reduce healthcare co