June 2010 | Chung-Wei Christine Lin, Deborah Taylor, Sita M.A. Bierma-Zeinstra, Christopher G. Maher
This article discusses the effectiveness of exercise in managing knee osteoarthritis (OA), based on a Cochrane systematic review. The review included 32 randomized or quasi-randomized controlled trials comparing land-based exercises with non-exercise interventions. The pooled results showed a small but significant benefit of exercise in reducing pain and improving physical function. However, the review noted that the optimal exercise strategy could not be determined due to variations in exercise mode, content, and dosage. Most studies included strengthening exercises with or without range of motion or aerobic exercises, and indirect comparisons suggested that lower-limb muscle strengthening, aerobic exercise, or a combination of both were equally effective for pain and physical function.
The article presents a case study of Mr. S, a 55-year-old man with moderate knee OA. He had significant knee pain and functional limitations. After starting an exercise program that included strengthening and stretching exercises, he experienced a reduction in pain and improvement in physical function. His ability to walk increased, and he no longer needed a walking stick. The results of the Cochrane review supported the use of exercise as part of first-line care for OA. The review also indicated that variations in the delivery, content, and dosage of exercise did not significantly affect outcomes, except for the number of contact sessions, which influenced the effectiveness of the intervention.
The article concludes that exercise is beneficial for patients with knee OA, especially when tailored to individual needs and lifestyles. However, long-term adherence to exercise programs is crucial for sustained benefits. Strategies such as booster sessions may be necessary to maintain long-term improvements. Physical therapists should prescribe appropriate exercises based on patients' goals, lifestyles, and overall health conditions to ensure the effectiveness of the intervention.This article discusses the effectiveness of exercise in managing knee osteoarthritis (OA), based on a Cochrane systematic review. The review included 32 randomized or quasi-randomized controlled trials comparing land-based exercises with non-exercise interventions. The pooled results showed a small but significant benefit of exercise in reducing pain and improving physical function. However, the review noted that the optimal exercise strategy could not be determined due to variations in exercise mode, content, and dosage. Most studies included strengthening exercises with or without range of motion or aerobic exercises, and indirect comparisons suggested that lower-limb muscle strengthening, aerobic exercise, or a combination of both were equally effective for pain and physical function.
The article presents a case study of Mr. S, a 55-year-old man with moderate knee OA. He had significant knee pain and functional limitations. After starting an exercise program that included strengthening and stretching exercises, he experienced a reduction in pain and improvement in physical function. His ability to walk increased, and he no longer needed a walking stick. The results of the Cochrane review supported the use of exercise as part of first-line care for OA. The review also indicated that variations in the delivery, content, and dosage of exercise did not significantly affect outcomes, except for the number of contact sessions, which influenced the effectiveness of the intervention.
The article concludes that exercise is beneficial for patients with knee OA, especially when tailored to individual needs and lifestyles. However, long-term adherence to exercise programs is crucial for sustained benefits. Strategies such as booster sessions may be necessary to maintain long-term improvements. Physical therapists should prescribe appropriate exercises based on patients' goals, lifestyles, and overall health conditions to ensure the effectiveness of the intervention.