Abstract
There is an increasing incidence, prevalence, and burden of knee osteoarthritis due to a global increase in obesity and an aging population. The aim of the present study was to compare the effectiveness of the addition of aerobic exercises performed in an unloaded or loaded position to a conventional exercise program in overweight subjects with knee osteoarthritis. Twenty-four subjects were randomly allocated to receive 36 sessions of 30-min duration of either sitting aerobic exercises (experimental group) or standing aerobic exercises (control group). Pain intensity, knee disability, and quality-of-life data were collected at baseline and at 12, 24, and 36 sessions. Generalized linear mixed models (GLMMs) were constructed for the analysis of the differences. Significant differences were found in the experimental group for self-reported pain and knee pain and disability at 24 and 36 sessions (p < 0.05). Significant between-group differences were observed in change in self-reported knee pain and disability and quality of life from baseline to 24th- and 36th-session measurements in favor of the experimental group. Adherence to treatment was higher in the experimental group. Adding aerobic exercises in an unloaded position to a conventional exercise program produced superior effects over time for self-reported knee pain, knee pain and disability and quality of life compared to loaded aerobic exercises in overweight subjects with knee osteoarthritis.
Highlights
Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most common musculoskeletal conditions in our society [1,2], which affects over 80% of the population beyond the age of 55 [3]
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects on knee pain, disability, and quality of life of adding unloaded aerobic exercises versus aerobic exercises in a loading condition to a conventional strengthening and stretching program in overweight subjects with knee OA
A total of 26 (15 women, 11 men) participants were included. They were randomized into two groups: experimental group (n = 13) and control group (n = 13)
Summary
Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most common musculoskeletal conditions in our society [1,2], which affects over 80% of the population beyond the age of 55 [3]. Knee OA causes stiffness, limited mobility, swelling, joint instability, and muscle weakness, all of which can lead to impaired physical function and reduced quality of life [6]. Factors such as age, overweight, and obesity play an important role in the development and aggravation of knee OA as they may accelerate cartilage degradation and facilitate the development of OA [6,7]. The most effective programs include strengthening aquatic and/or aerobic exercises with all of them showing positive effects on patient-reported pain, disability, and quality of life in people with knee OA [11,12,13,14]. While the magnitude of exercise benefits may be considered small to moderate, these effects are comparable to those obtained with simple analgesics and oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, but exercise has much fewer side effects [15,16]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
