HADIR AIDAN GHANEM , INAAM J. SADIQ , HIBA QASIM HAMADI , ALAA KHALAF HAIDAR , SAFAA ABDULWAHAB ISMAEEL
DOI: https://doi.org/Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a rehabilitation program designed based on specific physical indicators in reducing femoral cartilage damage in the knee joint. The research sought to analyze the program's impact on improving knee joint mobility, alleviating pain, and enhancing overall neuromuscular function among individuals diagnosed with femoral cartilage degeneration.
Methods: A quasi-experimental design was adopted, involving six patients diagnosed with femoral cartilage damage at the Baqubah Teaching Hospital. The rehabilitation program spanned 12 weeks (three sessions per week) and included muscle strengthening, balance training, and flexibility exercises. Functional assessments were conducted using standardized tests, including the Maximum Quadriceps Strength Test, Back Muscle Strength Test, Trunk Flexion Test, and a structured Pain Scale Assessment. Statistical analyses were performed using paired t-tests to compare pre- and post-rehabilitation outcomes, with significance set at p < 0.05.
Results: The post-intervention results demonstrated significant improvements in quadriceps strength (74.9% increase, p = 0.001), back muscle strength (54.2% increase, p = 0.002), and trunk flexibility (17.8% improvement, p = 0.000). Additionally, pain levels were significantly reduced (85.8% reduction, p = 0.000). These findings align with previous studies emphasizing the role of structured rehabilitation in enhancing neuromuscular coordination and mitigating joint deterioration.
Conclusions: The study confirms that rehabilitation programs tailored to physical indicators effectively enhance knee joint functionality, reduce pain, and improve muscle strength. The structured progression of exercises contributed to neuromuscular adaptations, leading to better motor control and joint stability. These results support the integration of targeted rehabilitation programs for individuals suffering from cartilage degeneration to improve mobility and prevent long-term joint complications. Future research should explore the long-term effects of such programs and compare different rehabilitation approaches, including aquatic therapy and AI-driven movement analysis. This study introduces a clinically adaptable model for rehabilitation based on physical indicators with significant efficacy in neuromuscular restoration.
