Clinical effectiveness of knee rehabilitation techniques and implications for a self-care treatment model

Physiotherapy is a complex intervention frequently recommended for knee conditions. The International Classification of Functioning and Disability (ICF) can be used as a framework to evaluate evidence to develop care models and clinical guidelines.

To evaluate the clinical effectiveness of knee rehabilitation modalities categorised according to the ICF domains.

A keyword search of Medline, Cinahl, Amed, Embase and Cochrane databases from 1996 to 2010 using terms related to the knee joint and physiotherapeutic interventions.

Reviewer assessment using inclusion/exclusion criteria and a quality assessment tool compiled from the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme Tool, Consort and Cochrane Bone Joint and Muscle Trauma Groups.

Information about the research design, intervention and subjects was extracted. Outcome measures and findings were categorised according to ICF domains.

The majority of studies evaluated exercise. Findings were supportive but specific recommendations were limited due to variations in content and application. There was limited quality research to support the theory that manual therapy, electrotherapy or taping in isolation contributes to recovery. Multimodality physiotherapy programmes were found to be beneficial and to reflect clinical practice, but the effectiveness of each component is unknown. Outcome measures from the participation domain of the ICF were used least frequently and were not generally true measures of participation.

Development of participation outcome measures is required to evaluate the long-term benefits of interventions. Rehabilitation should be based around delivery of effective exercise programmes incorporating participation outcomes to provide feedback and complement self-care for knee conditions.