Efficacy of 2 Non-Weight-Bearing Interventions, Proprioception Training Versus Strength Training, for Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Study Design Randomized clinical trial. Objective To investigate the clinical and functional efficacy of 2 different non-weight-bearing exercise regimens, proprioceptive training (PrT) versus strength training (ST), for patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA). Background Both strength and proprioceptive training are important interventions for individuals with knee OA. The benefits of weight-bearing exercises are generally recognized in the clinical setting. However, exercising in a standing or weight-bearing position may aggravate symptoms in patients with knee OA. Methods and Measures One hundred eight patients were randomly assigned to the PrT, ST, or no exercise (control) group for an 8-week intervention. Both the PrT and ST interventions consisted of non-weight-bearing exercises. Western Ontario and MacMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index-pain (WOMAC-pain) and -function scores, walking time on 3 different terrains, knee strength, and absolute knee reposition error were assessed before and after in...