ABSTRACT
Chikungunya is common infectious disease in tropical countries characterized by fever and arthralgia. Following chikungunya viral infection, long term arthralgia is common chronic manifestation. We wanted to study its severity on musculoskeletal system in detail to plan early rehabilitative care to improve prognosis.METHODSThis is an observational study conducted among 66 subjects who had arthralgia post chikungunya fever. Subjects of both genders in the age group of 30 to 60 years fulfilling the inclusion and exclusion criteria participated. The outcome measure used was musculoskeletal assessment taking into consideration parameters of pain, ROM and oedema.RESULTSThe obtained results showed a significant prevalence rate in all three components i.e. pain, ROM and oedema. Pain was found to be present in 81% of subjects, preceded with altered ROM. Presence of oedema was noted in smaller values. Oedema was absent in 43% of subjects. In that 32% subjects had grade 1 oedema, 16% subjects had grade 2 oedema and remaining 9% had grade 3 oedema. Female subjects were found to have more profound impairments with greater pain levels and altered ROM.CONCLUSIONSMusculoskeletal impairments like pain, stiffness, oedema, impairment in joint range of motion, are present post chikungunya viral infection. Female subjects were found to have more pain and impaired ROM than the male subjects.