Aquatic Exercise in Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis

Participants' pain intensity will be assessed. Pain intensity is indicated on a 10 cm straight line with anchor points representing "no pain" and "worst pain imaginable." The distance between the starting point and the point marked by the patient is measured in centimeters. An increase in this distance signifies an increase in pain intensity. This is an assessment method, ranging from 0 to 10 (or 0-100 mm), used to measure the severity of subjective symptoms-most commonly pain. A score of 0 indicates no pain; 1-3, mild pain; 4-6, moderate pain; 7-9, severe pain; and 10, unbearable, extreme pain.

Knee-related quality of life scales for patients with knee osteoarthritis are tools used to assess pain, function, and activities of daily living. They comprise 42 items across five distinct subscales. A higher total score indicates extremely severe pain in the knee, restricted movement, and loss of function. Scores range from 0 points to 100 points.

Central sensitization is assessed by measuring the Pressure Pain Threshold (PPT). Pressure will be applied to the quadriceps muscle using an algometer until the patient perceives pain. The procedure will be performed three times at 20-second intervals, and the average value will be calculated. Subsequently, the patient will immerse their foot and ankle in cold water (1-4°C) for 60-120 seconds. Following this, the PPT will be measured again at the same point on the quadriceps muscle using the algometer, and the total score will be calculated. A high score indicates that central sensitization is not present. An algometer is a physical device that provides objective measurements. Consequently, the results obtained from the device are not scores, but rather values expressed in units of applied pressure. A low score, on the other hand, shows that central sensitization is present.

It measures an individual's quality of life. The questionnaire consists of 36 items and 8 sub-parameters (physical functioning, bodily pain, limitations due to physical problems, emotional well-being, social functioning, energy/fatigue, and general health perception). A high score on the SF-36 questionnaire indicates that the patient's health-related quality of life is very good. Based on the data obtained from the survey, scores ranging from 0 to 100 are calculated separately for 8 distinct sub-dimensions and for the 2 main components into which these dimensions are grouped.

Patients' static balance will be measured using the Biodex Balance System®. Patients will be asked to maintain a balanced standing position on the static platform. The anteroposterior index, mediolateral index, and overall index will be evaluated with eyes open and eyes closed. Each position will be tested three times, and the average value will be recorded. For dynamic balance, level two of the 8-level resistance scale (1 = least stable, 8 = most stable) will be used.

It is widely used to assess the severity of depression in patients. It is a questionnaire consisting of 21 items. The questionnaire has a total score ranging from 0 to 63 points. A high total score indicates a high level of depression severity.

The Mini-Mental test, which measures cognitive functions quickly and in a standardized manner, will be administered in the clinical setting; memory, attention, language, and visuospatial skills are assessed. The total score for the 11 items across these five domains ranges from 0 to 30. A high score in the assessment indicates normal mental functions, while a low score points to cognitive impairment or dementia.