Occupation-Based Hydroponic Gardening to Improve Endurance and Functional Mobility in a Client with Suspected Bilateral Knee Osteoarthritis: A Case Report

Ardila Novianti

Authors

Ardila Novianti Diploma III Occupational Therapy, Department of Occupational Therapy, Surakarta Health Polytechnic, Surakarta, Indonesia Author

Keywords:

Knee osteoarthritis, biomechanical frame of reference, hydroponic gardening, endurance, occupational therapy

Abstract

Background: Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative disease characterized by pain, joint stiffness, and limited range of motion, which subsequently reduces endurance and functional mobility.

Case Study: Mrs. N, a 65-year-old female farmer with suspected bilateral knee osteoarthritis, presented with limited joint range of motion, impaired functional mobility, and reduced endurance during activities of daily living due to pain. An eight-session occupational therapy intervention was implemented using the Biomechanical Frame of Reference, with the aim of improving endurance and functional mobility through engagement in hydroponic gardening activities.

Results: Improvements in functional mobility and endurance were observed, as indicated by an increase in the 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) distance from 80 meters to 205 meters. Pain intensity decreased from 5 to 4, the WOMAC score decreased from 36 to 33, and an increase in knee joint range of motion was also observed.

Conclusion: The findings suggest that hydroponic gardening, when applied within the Biomechanical Frame of Reference, may be an effective occupational therapy intervention for enhancing endurance and functional mobility in individuals with suspected bilateral knee osteoarthritis.

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