ABSTRACT

Introduction: Osteoarthritis is a chronic degenerative joint disease, which usually affects the older population. Over time, anxiety and depression appear as a consequence of pain and increasing functional incapacity.

Aim: To investigate the level of anxiety in patients with osteoarthritis before and after physiotherapy

Material and methods: The study was conducted on a sample of 30 subjects with clinical symptoms of osteoarthritis of the hips or knees. Numerical scales of pain, Melzack McGill’s questionnaire for pain quality assessment, Patient assessment questionnaire, Beck’s inventory of depression, and Spielberg’s anxiety questionnaire. Therapeutic exercises in the gym and pool, paraffin wraps, water massage of lower extremity and TENS were applied.

Results: The level of anxiety was lowest in the elderly (p = 0.03). The results show statistically signifi cant difference in pain intensity (p = 0.01) and functional abilities (p = 0.03)

Conclusion: Anxiety is present in patients suffering from osteoarthritis of the hips and knees, affecting the physiotherapy results.

Key words: osteoarthritis, anxiety, physiotherapy