A total of 36 patients between the ages of 40 and 75 who were diagnosed with Kellgren-Lawrence Stage II and III knee OA by the physician were included in the study. Participants were divided into two groups as static stretching group (n = 18) or PNF stretching group (n = 18). Patients' demographic and clinical information was recorded. Pain intensity was evaluated with visual pain scale, hamstring flexibility with Active Knee Extension Test, functional status with Western Ontario and McMasters University Osteoarthritis Index and Timed Get Up and Go Test. In addition to the standard physiotherapy program, the subjects praticed stretching exercises for 15 sessions according to the groups that they've been separated. Evaluations were repeated in the end of the treatment (4th week) and in the 3rd month after the treatment.
The aim of this study is to determine and compare the effects of static and PNF hamstring stretching exercises on joint pain, hamstring flexibility and functional status in patients with knee osteoarthritis.