The role of physical activity in supporting treatment of coxarthrosis symptoms in elderly patients

Background: Next to degenerative changes of the spine, osteoarthritis of the hip is one of the most common diseases of the musculoskeletal system in people after the age of 65. The purpose of this study is to compare and evaluate the analgesic effectiveness treatments with exercises on a bicycle ergometer in osteoarthritis of the hip in patients. Material/Methods: The study involved 30 persons with degenerative disease of the hip referred to 10-day rehabilitation with a weekend break. In Group A 14 patients were subjected to treatments with local cryotherapy and laser therapy; in Group B 16 this treatment together exercises on a bicycle ergometer. The scale of pain Visual Analogue Scale and the Laitinen scale were used in the study. Results: In both groups there was a statistically significant reduction in symptoms related to degenerative disease. In Group B it was improvement in the form of a reduction in pain higher by 6%, the frequency of pain by 9%, the use of painkillers by 18% and in limitation of physical activity by 8% compared to patients from Group A. Conclusions: Combining physical therapy treatments with movement turned out to be a more effective therapy.