Quadriceps strengthening exercises are effective in improving pain, function and quality of life in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this research was to verify the effectiveness of an eight-week quadriceps strengthening program on pain, function and quality of life of patients with knee osteoarthritis. Methods: A hundred patients were randomized into two groups: 1- Exercise Group (ExG) and 2- Orientation Group. The Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) and the Short Form-36 were used for the assessment. Results: Eighty-one patients completed the survey. According to the intention to treat (ITT) analysis, there was statistically significant difference in ExG compared to OG in all the variables assessed. Conclusion: The program quadriceps strengthening exercises applied in this randomized clinical trial was effective in improving pain, function and quality of life of patients with knee osteoarthritis.