1072 PURPOSE: To determine the efficacy of symptom, mobility and strength tests in evaluating intervention-induced improvements in knee function in patients with symptoms of mild osteoarthiritis (OA) of the knee. METHODS: One hundred ninety individuals (mean age 57 y; 103 M, 87 F) with symptoms of mild OA of the knee based on criteria from the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) were randomly assigned to either a treatment group consisting of collagen hydrolysate or a placebo group in a randomized double blind trial. Subjects were assessed at baseline and weeks 8 and 14 for joint pain, stiffness, mobility, flexibility, and strength. Pain and stiffness symptoms were scored using the WOMAC Index, Knee Pain Scale, and Lequesne Index. Mobility was assessed using the 50-Foot Walk Time and 6-Minute Walk Test. Range of motion of the knee (extension and flexion) was measured using a goniometer. Isokinetic and isometric leg strength tests were performed using the Biodex Multi-Joint System B2000 to assess joint strength and work performance. RESULTS: Statistically significant improvement (p<0.05) occurred in all pain, stiffness, and mobility measures across testing sessions for all subjects in both groups. The collagen hydrolysate group, however, showed statistically significant improvement compared to placebo for certain strength and work performance tests, particularly those that presented the greatest challenge to the joint structure (p<0.05). A sub-group analysis of participants with more severe symptoms showed greater increases (p<0.05) in the collagen hydrolysate group for a greater number of isokinetic and isometric variables when compared with placebo. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that measures of isokinetic and isometric leg strength may have the potential to discriminate early improved knee functional mobility more accurately than symptoms or walk test in patients with symptoms of mild OA of the knee. Support: Gelita Health Initiative