Effectiveness of Graded Weight-Bearing Exercises on Pain, Function, Proprioception, and Muscle Strength in Individuals with Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Controlled Trial

TL;DR

A study found that graded weight-bearing exercises combined with open kinetic chain exercises improve pain, function, and proprioception more than other exercise types in people with knee osteoarthritis.

Contribution

This study introduces graded weight-bearing exercises as a more effective intervention for knee osteoarthritis compared to traditional closed kinetic chain exercises.

Findings

GWBE + OKCE significantly improved pain, function, and proprioception compared to CKCE + OKCE and OKCE alone.

Proprioception improved in GWBE + OKCE and CKCE + OKCE groups but not in the OKCE group.

Quadriceps strength did not significantly change across any groups.

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent degenerative joint disorder associated with pain, impaired proprioception, and reduced physical function. While closed kinetic chain exercises (CKCEs) are commonly prescribed to enhance joint stability, their weight-bearing nature may exacerbate symptoms. Graded weight-bearing exercises (GWBEs) using anti-gravity treadmill training provide a novel approach to reduce joint loading while maintaining functional mobility. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of GWBEs compared with CKCEs and open kinetic chain exercises (OKCEs) on pain, function, proprioception, and quadricep strength in patients with knee OA. Methods: Forty-five adults aged 40–60 years with radiographically confirmed knee OA were randomized into three groups: (1) GWBE + OKCE, (2) CKCE + OKCE, or (3) OKCE alone. Interventions were conducted three times per week for six-weeks. Outcomes included pain (Visual Analogue Scale), physical function (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, 6-Minute Walk Test), proprioception (joint repositioning error at 45°), and quadriceps strength (isokinetic peak torque at 60°, 120°, and 180°/s). Results: All groups demonstrated significant improvements in pain and function (p < 0.05). Proprioception improved in the GWBE + OKCE and CKCE + OKCE groups but not in the OKCE group. No significant changes were observed in quadriceps strength across groups. The GWBE + OKCE group showed significantly greater improvements in pain, function, and proprioception compared to both comparator groups (p < 0.05). Conclusions: GWBE combined with OKCE is more effective than CKCE + OKCE and OKCE alone in improving pain, function, and proprioception in patients with knee OA.

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