A controlled trial of training in knee arthritis
Røgind, H.; Nielsen, B.B.; Jensen, B.; Møller, H.C.; Frimodt-Møller, H.; Bliddal, H.
Ugeskrift for Laeger 163(27): 3798-3802
2001
ISSN/ISBN: 0041-5782 PMID: 11466989 Document Number: 536041
The aim was to investigate the effectiveness and safety of a physical training programme in patients with severe osteoarthritis of the knees. Twenty-five patients participated in this randomised clinical trial with a blind observer. Intervention consisted in training twice a week for three months and focused on general fitness, balance, co-ordination, and muscle strength. Follow-up was performed at 3 and 12 months. The recorded parameters were muscle strength, algofunctional index, pain, walking speed, and clinical findings. At three months follow-up, muscle strength had improved in the intervention group. By one year, pain at night had decreased, but the number of palpable knee joint effusions had increased. A general physical training programme appears to be beneficial to patients with osteoarthritis of the knees, but further investigation of the safety of such a programme is called for.