EN
Introduction: Gonarthrosis is the most common disease of peripheral joints. Among population of developing countries, it concerns about 70% of people over 65 year of age. Because its chronic, progressive and irreversible nature it is one of the most common cause of work incapacity. It is also a common cause of disability in people in six decade of life.Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of cryogymnastic on quality of life and functional efficiency of patients with knee osteoarthritis.Material and methods: The study consisted of group of 50 people diagnosed with osteoarthritis of the knee (gonarthrosis). Patients were tested twice. First examination was conducted before the start of therapy, a second examination was conducted after 10 treatments cryotherapy. To evaluate the results of cryogymnastic we used goniometric measurement, WOMAC questionnaire and functional test Up & Go.Results: We found that applied local cryotherapy and exercise in studied group had been effective in increasing joint range of motion, improving quality of life and patients’ functional efficiency. Conclusions:1. Our treatment for patients with knee arthritis after local cryotherapy and exercises improved significantly joint range of motion, quality of life and functional efficiency. 2. Local cryotherapy is a safe procedure and well tolerated by patients with knee osteoarthritis.