Evaluating the Impact of Weight Bearing and Non-Weight Bearing Exercises on Pain and Physical Function in Obese Knee Osteoarthritic Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Background Exercise is advised as a primary treatment for knee OA; however, the best exercise is still unknown among these patients with different comorbid like obesity. Hence, this trial was aimed to identify which regime is more suitable in patients with knee OA and obesity. Methods A randomized controlled trial conducted in Lahore, Pakistan, compared the effectiveness of two exercise regimens i.e. Group A: Weight-bearing functional exercise program and Group B: Quadriceps strengthening through non-weight bearing techniques in obese individuals aged 50 and above with painful medial knee OA. A total of 128 participants were randomly assigned to either group. They attended supervised sessions with a therapist 5 times/week for 12 weeks. Pain and physical function were measured as primary outcomes at baseline and after the intervention. Results The mean age of participants was 57±4.03, with 78 females and 50 males. The results revealed that outcomes were improved in both groups. However, Group B showed more significant results, with a mean of 3.92±0.9, whereas Group A results were also substantial, with a mean of 4.53±1.02. The findings were consistent for physical function, which improved more in Group B with a mean of 42.35±3.02 compared to Group A with a mean of 45.68±81. Conclusion Both groups showed significant improvement in both outcomes. However, participants in non-weight-bearing quadriceps strengthening show more statistically and clinically relevant results. Keywords Exercise, Obesity, Osteoarthritis, Pain, Physical Activity.