The addition of a supervised exercise class to a home exercise programme in the treatment of patients with knee osteoarthritis following corticosteroid injection: A pilot study

Abstract

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the feasibility of conducting a full-scale-randomized controlled trial investigating whether the addition of a 4-week supervised exercise class was more beneficial in reducing pain and improving function than a home exercise programme (HEP) alone in treating patients following a corticosteroid injection for knee osteoarthritis (OA).MethodsA total of 32 patients with mild-to-moderate knee OA requiring a knee injection were randomized into one of two groups: HEP group (n = 17) received an injection and were given a HEP, or class group (n = 15) who in addition, attended ×4 weekly supervised exercise classes. The outcome measure was the change in pain and physical function using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis (WOMAC®) Index subscales. Assessments were made at baseline (pre-injection), 2 weeks post-injection, 6 weeks post-injection, and 12 weeks post-injection.ResultsTwenty-eight participants (87.5%) completed the 12-week trial. Both groups had reduced pain a...