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Research paper publication has a well defined process that is framed in the context of academic activity; the refusal to publish the research paper is an academic work rejection that can lead the researcher to academic duel, condition that the researcher must overcome soon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The medical care paradigm is face-to-face; however, technological development has led to the digital modality. Objective: To determine cost-effectiveness of digital care and face-to-face care at the first level of care. Material and methods: Cost-effectiveness study. 2 groups were integrated: the digital service and the face-to-face service. The sample size was calculated with the percentage formula for 2 groups, and the result was 217 per group. The effectiveness was evaluated in 3 dimensions: the satisfaction of the patient, of the doctor and of the medical assistant. In all 3 cases the Visual analogue scale was used. The cost corresponded to the fixed unit cost estimated with the technique of times and movements adjusted for the duration of care. The statistical analysis included averages, percentages and costeffectiveness ratio. Results: The cost of digital attention is $343.83 and face-toface attention is $171.91 (all estimated in Mexican pesos). From the patient's perspective, the effectiveness in digital care is $9.47 and in face-to-face is $9.25. The cost to reach effectiveness of 10 in face-to-face care is $185.85 and in digital care $363.20. From the physician's perspective, the cost to achieve effectiveness of 10 is $419.13 in digital care and $184.52 in face-to-face care. From the perspective of the medical assistant, to achieve effectiveness of 10, the cost in digital care is $468.43 and in face-to-face $179.83. Conclusions: Currently, the best cost-effectiveness ratio corresponds to face-to-face care; however, digital care is an option that will have to evolve. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To identify the factors associated with adherence to drug therapy among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus without hypertension. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional, analytical study conducted with patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus without hypertension, divided into an adherent group (n = 145) and a non-adherent group (n = 49), determined by the 4-item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-4). The associated factors were sex, cohabitation, schooling, occupation, age in 10-year groups and diabetes progression time grouped in less than 1 year, from 1 to 5 years, from 6 to 10 years and more than 10 years. The statistical analysis plan included the chi-square test. Results: The factors associated with adherence to drug therapy were identified as sex (p = 0.045), cohabitation (p = 0.045), age (p = 0.001) and disease progression time (p = 0.001). Schooling was not identified as a factor associated with adherence to drug therapy among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (p = 0.289). The older the patient with diabetes, the lower the adherence to drug therapy; the cut-off point was 60 years of age, after which the percentage in the non-adherent group was higher than in the adherent group (p = 0.001). The longer the diabetes progression time, the lower the probability of adherence; in the non-adherent group the percentage of patients with more than 10 years of disease progression was 67.3 % and in the adherent group the percentage was 33.8 % (p = 0.001). Conclusions: The factors associated with adherence to drug therapy among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus without hypertension were identified [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: To determine the probability of hospitalization for chronic degenerative disease in patients with COVID-19. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective cohort in patients with COVID-19, confirmed by RT-PCR. Two study groups were integrated, the exposed group made up of 3 subgroups, exclusively diabetes mellitus, exclusively arterial hypertension and exclusively obesity; the unexposed group was the one in which any chronic comorbidity was ruled out. Relative risk, multiple logistic regression and probability calculation of the event (hospitalization) were used. RESULTS: The relative risk for hospitalization in diabetes was of 3.59 (95%CI; 2.44-5.29), 3.20 (95%CI; 2.10-4.87) in hypertension and 2.56 (95%CI; 1.72-3.81) in obesity. The multiple regression equation was y = -1358 + 2388 (diabetes mellitus) + 2005 (systemic arterial hypertension) + 1458 (obesity). The probability of hospitalization when there was no chronic disease was of 20.6%, when there was a chronic disease the probability fluctuated between 52.5% and 73.5%, when there were two chronic diseases it varied from 89.1% to 95.4%, and when there were three diseases the probability of hospitalization was of 98.9%. CONCLUSIONS: In the context of the probability of hospitalization when there is a chronic degenerative disease or it is absent, the research shows the difference in these two scenarios, as revealed by the more than 70 percentage points identified in the extreme scenarios, a condition that, led to the clinical field, reaffirms the presence of chronic degenerative disease as a risk factor for hospitalization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to determine the epidemiological profile of the family with systemic arterial hypertension. A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out in 268 families with this disease, the epidemiological profile included seven dimensions, sociodemographic, economic, family functionality, life cycle, family roles, health and use of services. The mean age of the families was 49.09 (SD: 15.57) years; 47.0% of the families had paid economic activity, 65.0% were functional, 52.4% were in the retirement and death stages, 43.1% presented obesity, in 50.0% the predominant role of the hypertensive patient was assumed by the mother, and the average annual number of family medicine consultations was 10.37 (SD: 4.31). The family with arterial hypertension is functional, although most of them are in the stage of retirement and death. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. To determine the relative risk of a lethal outcome associated with chronic degenerative conditions in patients with COVID-19. Methods. A cohort study was conducted using electronic medical records belonging to patients who tested positive for COVID-19 on RT-PCR while receiving care as outpatients or inpatients in a social security system facility between March 2020 and March 2021. Two study groups were formed. The exposed group was divided into four subgroups, each of which was diagnosed with one and only one chronic condition (diabetes, hypertension, obesity, or chronic kidney disease); the unexposed group was obtained from the medical records of patients without comorbidities. A total of 1 114 medical records were examined using simple random sampling. Once the minimum sample size was reached, the relative risk was calculated for each chronic condition. Combinations of two, three, and four conditions were created, and each of them was included in the analysis. Results. In the absence of a chronic degenerative condition, the prevalence of a lethal outcome from COVID-19 is 3.8%; in the presence of type 2 diabetes mellitus, 15.8%; in the presence of arterial hypertension, 15.6%; and in the presence of obesity, 15.0%. For diabetes and hypertension combined, the prevalence of a lethal outcome is 54.1%; for diabetes and obesity combined, 36.8%, and for obesity and hypertension combined, 28.1%. Conclusion. In patients with COVID-19, the relative risk of a lethal outcome is 4.17 for those with diabetes, 4.13 for those with hypertension, and 3.96 for those with obesity. For two chronic conditions combined, the relative risk doubles or triples. The relative risk of a lethal outcome is 14.27 for diabetes plus hypertension; 9.73 for diabetes plus obesity, and 7.43 for obesity plus hypertension. Chronic conditions do not present alone; they generally occur together, hence the significance of the relative risks for lethal outcomes presented in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Chronic kidney disease cost is considered high for health systems due to the amount of supplies required for treatment and increasing prevalence. Objective: Determine institutional cost of hemodialysis in chronic kidney disease. Method: Cost design from the institutional perspective, in patients with chronic kidney disease managed with hemodialysis. The sample size was 269 and the sample technique for consecutive cases. Annual fixed average cost (times and movements technique) and annual variable average cost (microcosting technique) adjusted by use of services, helped to identify annual average cost by function of production and service, the sum of these resulted in annual cost of care. Statistical analysis included averages and projections. Results: The average annual cost of the patient with chronic kidney disease on hemodialysis varies between $223,183 and $257,000; the cost in life is $1,198,968. The institutional total cost it corresponds to between 1.47% and 1.73% of the budget. Conclusions: Hemodialysis cost in chronic kidney disease is high for the institution, however, hemodialysis allows the survival of the patient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis affects approximately between 0.3 and 1.2% of the world population. In Latin America, different studies have estimated a prevalence between 0.2 and 0.5% in the population over 16 years of age. Objective: To identify the epidemiological profile of rheumatoid arthritis. Material and methods: Descriptive cross-sectional design carried out in an urban population of a social security institution in Mexico. The information of the clinical file of 373 patients was studied. The epidemiological profile included the sociodemographic dimension, family history, health, clinical, therapeutic, biochemical, extra-articular manifestations and complications. Statistical analysis percentages, means, confidence intervals for percentages and confidence intervals for averages were calculated. Results: The wrists were the most affected joints with 44.6% (95% CI: 39.5-49.6%). The extra-articular manifestation with the highest prevalence was asthenia with 9.9% (95% CI: 6.9-12.9%); predominant diagnosis according to ICD-10 was seropositive rheumatoid arthritis with 59.8% (95% CI: 54.8-64.8%), and the rheumatoid factor was highly positive in 78.3% (95% CI: 74.1-82.5%); predominant treatment was with combined therapy at diagnosis in 97.6% (95% CI: 96.0-99.1%). The duration of treatment was > 10 years in 34.1% (95% CI: 29.2-38.8%). Conclusion: This work has described the epidemiological profile of the patient with rheumatoid arthritis in different dimensions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has had repercussions in the social, economic, psychological and health spheres, for which risk and exposure groups have been identified. Health workers are distinguished from the rest of the population by constant contact with patients carrying the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Objetive: To determine the difference in the incidence of COVID-19 in health workers who remain in work activity and those who shelter at home. Material and methods: Cohort study in health workers from March 2020 to January 2021. Two groups were integrated, the exposed group made up of workers who remained working in the health unit (n = 4650) and the non-exposed group, those who carried out home protection (n = 337). When the groups were integrated, none had a diagnosis of COVID-19, they were followed up for 11 months and when COVID-19 was diagnosed, it was done with a PCR test. Statistical analysis included incidence rate, confidence intervals, Chi square, relative risk, and confidence interval for relative risk. Results: The incidence of COVID-19 in workers in home shelter was 39.8% (95% CI: 34.6-45.0) and in workers who remained in the medical unit 16.0% (95% CI: 14.9-17.1). The relative risk was 0.40 (95% CI: 0.34-0.47) for workers who remained working in the health unit. Conclusion: The incidence of COVID-19 was higher in health workers with home protection than in those who continued with normal activities in the medical unit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Compare disease beliefs and medication beliefs with adherence to treatment in patients with hypertension without diabetes mellitus. Method: Comparative transverse design in hypertensive population, a group of 137 adherent patients and a group of 129 non-adherent patients. The beliefs of the disease and beliefs about the medication were evaluated. The statistical analysis included chi squared, odds ratio and confidence interval for odds ratio. Results: In the group of adherent patients, 71.5% have an adequate belief of the disease and in the group of non-adherent patients, 43.4% also have an adequate belief of the disease (p = 0.000). When the belief of the disease and beliefs about the medication are grouped, there is an association with adherence to treatment in hypertensive patients. Conclusions: There is an association between beliefs about the disease and medication with adherence to antihypertensive treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: To identify, based on delta CO2 (ΔpCO2), the probability of death within 24 hours of admission to the emergency department in patients with septic shock. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cases and controls nested in a cohort in patients with septic shock in the emergency department. Cases, patients who died within 24 hours of admission to the emergency department; controls, patients who did not die 24 hours after admission. The veno-arterial difference in carbon dioxide or delta CO2 (ΔpCO2) was calculated on admission to the emergency department with the formula ΔpCO2 = PvCO2-PaCO2, it was measured on a discrete scale and subsequently grouped into two categories (reference point 6). Age was measured in years, stratifying in decades and subsequently in two groups (reference point 60). RESULTS: The sample size was 25 cases and 55 controls. When the discrete scale delta CO2 value and the patient's age in decades were used to estimate the probability of death in patients with septic shock seen in the emergency department, the model was significant (X² = 36.70, p = 0.000). The probability of death was 92.1% when the delta CO2 value was 9 and age 80 or more years. CONCLUSIONS: The model integrated by ΔpCO² and age predicts the probability of dying within 24 hours of admission to the emergency department in patients with septic shock. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: to quantify the economic cost of polypharmacy in the elderly. Methods: cost study design, made in two first-level medical units. The study was conducted in 131 older adult patients with polypharmacy, chronic degenerative disease and at least one medical visit per year. The sample was calculated using the formula of finite population averages. The cost of polypharmacy was assessed in medical consultation, medicine and pharmacy services. The evaluation of the medical cost included the number of visits per year for the same unit cost, the cost of medicine considered the amount of drug per year for the same unit cost, and the cost of the service pharmacy took into account the number of times the pharmacy occupies the unit cost of the same. The statistical analysis included means, percentages and confidence intervals. Results: in family practice the average annual cost is $1,263.26. In pharmacy the average annual cost is $229.91. The average time drug use is 4.37 months per year (95 % CI = 0.9-7.9), the annual average cost drugs is $708.00. Considering the three dimensions the annual cost of polypharmacy in the elderly is $2,201.17. Conclusions: the cost of polypharmacy is high and represents a significant economic impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. To detect antibodies to six potentially blood-borne infections in blood donors at a social security institute in Querétaro, Mexico. Methods. A cross-sectional, retrospective, descriptive study was performed using data from the blood bank records of the General Regional Hospital No. 1, Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS). From the 6 929 registered donors, those with any antibody to brucellosis, Chagas' disease, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, syphilis, and HIV were identified. For the cases presenting any of these infections, the following demographics were analyzed: age, gender, marital status, education, home address, and number of donations made. To estimate overall prevalence, the number of donors with any of the antibodies was divided by the total donors, and then by each of the various infections. Results. Of the 6 929 donors, 144 were detected with some type of circulating antibody of the six potentially blood-borne infections, with a total prevalence of 2.07% (0-4.4). The prevalence of blood donors with antibodies for hepatitis C was 0.721% (95%CI: 0.522-0.920) and Chagas' disease, 0.649% (95%CI: 0.460-0.838). Conclusions. Identifying the prevalence of blood donors with antibodies for any of these six, potentially blood-borne infections, allows the blood bank at the General Regional Hospital No. 1 to establish its own epidemiologic profiling. Chagas' disease proved to be emergent, calling for urgent control efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine the disability adjusted life years in arterial hypertension without diabetes mellitus. Method: Disability adjusted life years was determined from chronic disability (chronic kidney disease, heart disease and cerebral vascular event), acute disability (hypertensive crisis and hypertensive emergency) and premature death. Age of diagnosis, age of the complication, prevalence of the complication, duration of the acute event, number of acute events, time lived with hypertension, age of death and life expectancy were identified. In all cases a 3% discount rate was applied, the estimate was made per 100,000. Results: When the total of women was used as a reference, the disability adjusted life years in women is 198,498.28. In men, using the total number of men as a reference, the value is 204,232.13. If the referent is the total population, in women the disability adjusted life years is 102,028.11 and in men 99,256.98. Conclusions: The disability adjusted life years in arterial hypertension without diabetes is different for men and women; the topic has many edges that must be studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: In the literature it has been pointed out that the prevalence of anemia in patients with frailty is 52% and it has been observed that the risk of acquiring frailty increases when amount of hemoglobin is lower. OBJECTIVE: To determine the association between mild normocytic anemia and frailty syndrome in geriatric patients. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A comparative cross-sectional study was done from October to December 2018 with patients older than 60 years of age. The study group was divided into two groups. Group 1: patients with mild normocytic anemia. Group 2: patients without anemia. Anemia was diagnosed based on the World Health Organization classification of hemoglobin levels. Frailty was based on the criteria proposed by Linda Fried and then modified by Avila Funes. RESULTS: The size of the sample was of 49 patients per group. The study identified an association between anemia and frailty syndrome; 70% of patients diagnosed with anemia also had frailty syndrome and 48% of patients without anemia also had it (p = 0.04). The group of robust/pre-frail patients when compared with frail patients identified an association statistically significant with anemia (p = 0.03 and RM = 2.52). The probability of developing frailty based on lower hemoglobin levels lesser than 13.5 was greater than 50%. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated an association between anemia and frailty syndrome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Determinar el costo de la atención médica en pacientes con gonartrosis. Estudio de costos en pacientes mayores de 40 años con diagnóstico de gonartrosis realizado de acuerdo a la clasificación radiológica de Kellgren y Lawrence. El costo promedio anual (euros) construido a partir del costo unitario y el uso promedio se estimó para medicina familiar, pruebas de imagen, laboratorio, electrodiagnóstico, ortopedia, hospitalización, terapia física, quirófano, nutrición, valoración prequirúrgica y medicamentos. Se realizaron proyecciones basadas en supuestos para 3 escenarios. Predomina el grado 2 de gonartosis con 39,7% (IC 95%; 33,8-45,6). El costo anual de la atención del paciente con gonartrosis en el escenario promedio es 108.87 euros (€), en el escenario bajo 86.73 € y en el escenario alto 132.60 €. Para una población de 119.530.753 habitantes, con 10.937.064 pacientes que cursan con gonartrosis, el costo anual en el escenario promedio es 1.190.685,273€ y representa el 4,48% del gasto en salud. El costo promedio anual de la gonartrosis es relativamente bajo, pero al relacionarlo con la prevalencia y la tendencia de la prevalencia se puede convertir en un serio problema para los servicios de salud. To determine the cost of medical care in patients with gonarthrosis. Cost study in patients over 40 years of age with gonarthrosis, diagnosed according to the radiological classification of Kellgren and Lawrence. The average annual cost (euros) was estimated taking the unit cost plus average use of services such as family medicine, imaging, laboratory, electrodiagnosis, orthopedics, hospitalization, physical therapy, surgery, nutrition, preoperative assessment and medication. Projections based on assumptions were made for three scenarios. Grade 2 gonarthrosis predominated at 39.7% (95% confidence interval, 33.8 - 45.6). The annual cost of care for a patient with gonarthrosis was € 108.87 in the intermediate scenario, € 86.73 in the lower cost scenario and € 132.60 in the higher cost scenario. For a population of 119,530,753 inhabitants, with 10,937,064 gonarthrosis patients, the annual cost in the intermediate scenario was € 1,190,685,273 and represented 4.48% of the health expenditure. The average annual cost of gonarthrosis is relatively low, but when related to prevalence and prevalence trends, it can become a serious problem for health services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The incidence of acute kidney injury in hospitalized elderly is a frequent event that makes them prone to complications and can even lead to death. Therefore, identifying risk factors for developing acute kidney injury becomes a priority in the process of care of the elderly. Objective: To identify the main risk factors for acute kidney injury in hospitalized elderly and, on the basis of those risk factors, calculate the probability of presentation. Methods: Case-control study nested in a cohort, which included patients of 60 years or older, admitted to the Internal Medicine service at an institution of social security in Querétaro, Mexico. Patients with acute kidney injury were identified as cases and patients without acute kidney injury were included in the control group. Acute kidney injury was diagnosed when there was an increased creatinine level = 0.3 mg/dL (= 26.4 mmol/L) in a period < 48 hours. Results: Hypovolemia and infection were identified as risk factors for acute kidney injury and they were included into the model of multiple logistic regression (y = 1,111 + 1,063 [infection] + 1.422 [hypovolemia]), (p = 0.002). The highest probability of having acute kidney injury was 80%. Conclusions: Two factors for acute kidney injury and a prediction model were identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a preventable entity, when it develops the patient suffers severe complications, with a high economic impact for the patient and for health services. Objective: To determine the cost of medical care in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Methods: Using a cost design, the files of patients with COPD who attended the pulmonology clinic were analyzed. The size of the sample (n = 265) was calculated with the formula of averages of a finite population. The sample units were captured with the simple random technique. The study variables were: sociodemographic characteristics, characteristics of COPD, annual use profile, unit cost per service, total cost per service and total cost of medical care. The analysis plan included averages, percentages, confidence intervals and health expenditure projections. Results: the average annual cost of patient care with COPD was $ 89 479.08, of which $ 61 267.63 corresponded to medications. With a COPD prevalence of 25% in a population of 46 million, the calculated cost of care was $ 347 805 183 960. Conclusions: the cost of medical care in patients with COPD was high, at the expense of medications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine BISAP as a predictor of mortality in acute pancreatitis in the Emergency Service. Materials and methods: A cohort study in acute pancreatitis in emergency service, two groups were formed according to BISAP score, low risk (0-2) and high risk (3-5). The total sample for each group was 23.76, nevertheless it was worked with 111 patients of low risk and 23 of high risk. The sampling technique was non-randomized by quota. Mortality was measured at 24 h and at 7 days. Statistical analysis included logistic regression and probability calculation. Results: When the BISAP score is high risk the probability of dying at 24 h is 22.7% and 76.5% at 7 days (Chi² = 13.91, P = .002). Discussion and conclusion: The BISAP score allows predicting the probability of dying at 24 h and at 7 days. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Chronic kidney disease secondary to diabetes is a public health problem; however, it indicates underreporting where the majority of the patients get diagnosed on lately stages. Objective: To determine the evolution time of diabetes and prevalence for stages on chronic kidney disease. Material and method: A cross-sectional and descriptive study was done on 236 patients diabetic type 2. There were included all of them that have more than 5 years of evolution on the diabetes type 2, the sample was calculated with the averages formula for finite population and the selection was simple random. Sociodemographic variables and health variables were studied, the stage of chronic kidney disease were estimated by the Cockcroft-Gault equation. The statistic analysis included averages, percentages and confidence intervals. Results: The evolution time average of the DM2 from the patients on stage 5 was of 21.25 years (CI 95%; 18.65-23.76). There were identified 12% (CI 95%; 8.1-16.5) of patients on stage 5. The evolution time average from a stage 1 to 5 was 11.19 years. Conclusion: The diabetic patient with chronic kidney disease is not flattering; it is distinguished by short evolution times between the stages and high population percentage on stages 4 and 5. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. To build a model that explains the natural history of breast cancer diagnostic procedures. Methods. Descriptive cross-sectional study of 245 women between 40 and 69 years of age, selected by simple random sampling, who underwent a mammography and met the requirements of the breast cancer diagnostic procedure. Diagnosis was made by biopsy. For the diagnostic procedure, an estimate was made of the percentage of patients seen by each service, the total number of patients per service, and the total number of consultations in each service, with 95% confidence intervals. Results. Of the patients who initiated the breast cancer diagnostic procedure in preventive medicine services, 20% underwent a mammography; 23.7% were seen in family medicine services and of these patients, 70.9% were referred to a breast clinic, where 7.3% underwent a harpoon biopsy. The prevalence of breast cancer confirmed by biopsy was 0.48% (95%CI: 0.0-1.3). Per 1 000 patients who initiated the procedure, 47.4 were seen in family medicine services and 33.6 in a breast clinic, and open bi- opsies were performed on 2.4. Per 1 000 patients who initiated the procedure, there were 211.4 consultations in radiology services, 51.6 in family medicine services, and 54.6 in a breast clinic. Conclusions. The model described here may be useful in planning and evaluation activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: to determine the prevalence of the physical exploration and morbidity on pelvic members in the diabetic patient type 2. Methodology: cross-sectional study; 189 files of diabetic family medicine patients were analyzed. The sample was considered with the formula of proportions for a fi nite population. Sampling units were chosen by convenience and they were taken up again from each one of the family medicine physician’s offi ces. Sociodemographic variables, pathologies, time of evolution of diabetes, glycemic control and consultations along a year were studied. Physical explorations were made and signs explored by the physicians. Descriptive statistic for the analysis of data was used. Results: average age 58.89 years (IC 95 %, 57.1-60.7); women predominate with 61.9 % (IC 95 %, 55.0-68.8), mean time of evolution 10.60 years ± 7.29. In 74.1 % some sign in pelvic members was explored, and in 14.3 % some added problem was detected. Of these, 9 % suffered from onychomycosis. Conclusion: physical exploration of pelvic members it is not performed in all type 2 diabetic patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Osteoarthritis is a chronic joint disease; isometric exercise leads to the development of mechanical work and isokinetic exercise leads to better joint mobility. Objectives: To compare the effectiveness of isometric versus isokinetic therapeutic exercises in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Material and methods: Quasiexperimental study in a population of 45 to 75 year old patients with a diagnosis of knee osteoarthritis. Group 1 (experimental) was put under isokinetic exercises and group 2 (control) under isometric exercises. The sample size was of 33 patients per group; the allocation to the experimentation or control group was nonrandom, but stratified by degrees of knee osteoarthritis. The effectiveness of the exercise was measured in three dimensions: muscle strength, joint range and pain. The intervention lasted eight weeks and the physical activity was carried out every third day. The statistical analysis included averages, standard deviation, percentage, Chi square test, z test for two populations, t test for two independent populations and twin t test. Results: The analysis of muscle strength comparing the categories independently demonstrates differences at 8 weeks; 33.3% of the isokinetic exercise is in the normal category and 15.2% in the isometric exercise (p= 0.04). There was not difference of joint range between groups, despite finding a stage I range in 100.0% of the isokinetic group and 97.0% in the isometric (p> 0.05) group. Pain was milder in the isokinetic exercise group at 8 weeks (p= 0.01) Conclusions: Isokinetic exercises have a greater effectiveness than isometric exercises for muscle strength and pain in patients with knee osteoarthritis. However, other studies with randomized designs are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]