The effects of strengthening, neuromuscular and lumbopelvic stabilization exercises on strength, physical function and symptoms in men with mild knee osteoarthritis: A pilot study

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Selistre, Luiz Fernando Approbato^{a; *} | Gonçalves, Glaucia Helena^a | Petrella, Marina^a | de Oliveira Sato, Tatiana^b | da Silva Serrão, Paula Regina Mendes^a | Vasilceac, Fernando Augusto^c | Mattiello, Stela Marcia^a

Affiliations: [a] Laboratório de Análise da Função Articular, Departamento de Fisioterapia, Universidade Federal de São Carlos, São Paulo, Brasil | [b] Laboratório de Fisioterapia Preventiva e Ergonomia, Departamento de Fisioterapia, Universidade Federal de São Carlos, São Paulo, Brasil | [c] Laboratório de Análise da Função Articular, Departamento de Gerontologia e Fisioterapia, Universidade Federal de São Carlos, São Paulo, Brasil

Correspondence: [*] Corresponding author: Luiz Fernando Approbato Selistre, Departamento de Fisioterapia, Universidade Federal de São Carlos, Rodovia Washington Luís, Km 235 CEP: 13.565-905 CP: 676 São Carlos, SP, Brazil. Tel.: +55 16 33519579; Fax: +55 16 33618203; E-mail:lfaselistre@gmail.com

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of strengthening, neuromuscular and lumbopelvic stabilization exercises on strength, symptoms and physical function in men with mild knee osteoarthritis. METHODS: A total of 17 men with mild knee osteoarthritis participated in this study. Subjects underwent clinical and radiographic examinations and isokinetic strength evaluations and completed the Western Ontario & McMaster Universities questionnaire before and after an intervention program comprising strengthening, neuromuscular and lumbopelvic stabilization exercises twice per week for eight weeks. RESULTS: After the intervention program, subjects exhibited significant reductions in pain (P= 0.009), improvements in physical function (P= 0.015) and quadriceps and hip abductor strength. There was no change in hamstring and hip adductor strength or stiffness after the intervention program. CONCLUSIONS: An eight-week supervised exercise therapy program comprising strengthening, neuromuscular and lumbopelvic stabilization exercises may help reduce muscle weakness, pain and disability in men with early knee osteoarthritis.

Keywords: Knee osteoarthritis, exercise, pain, physical function, muscle strength

DOI: 10.3233/IES-218161

Journal: Isokinetics and Exercise Science, vol. 25, no. 3, pp. 161-169, 2017