Resistance training in knee osteoarthritis: a narrative review
Poster Presentation
Paper ID : 1441-SSRC
Authors
1Department of Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Birjand, Birjand, Iran
2Department of Exercise Physiology- Faculty of Sport Sciences- University of Birjand- Birjand- Iran
Abstract
Background: Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a chronic musculoskeletal condition and a leading cause of worldwide disability that affects the knee, resulting in limited physical function, reduced quality of life, chronic pain, mental health deterioration, and significant economic cost. Obesity, age, sex, joint injuries, trauma, and quadriceps weakness are the risk factors associated with KOA. Current treatments for KOA including medications, non-drug therapies, and surgery focus on pain relief and slowing disease progression. Non-pharmacological approaches, especially exercise rehabilitation are one the key clinical practice guidelines emphasizing the management of KOA, and resistance training is an important part of treatment protocols for reducing the weakness of the knee muscles.
Purpose: Introducing resistance training as an important part of treatment protocols to manage KOA.
Methodology: To give an overview of the literature on resistance training in KOA patients, a literature search was performed and reviewed using the narrative approach.
Results: Weak quadriceps can worsen joint loading, leading to disease progression and reduced mobility so strengthening the quadriceps muscles is a key factor in the improvement of KOA conditions. Moreover, other lower limb muscles also weaken in KOA, causing performance decline and increased symptoms. Therefore, resistance training can be crucial for pain relief, restoring muscle strength, reducing stiffness, enhancing physical function, and improving psychological well-being but the optimal dose and type of resistance training for KOA are not fully known. Based on existing knowledge different types of resistance training, such as isometric, isotonic, and isokinetic exercise can be chosen based on goals and physical abilities. Also, it is recommended to exercise 2-3 days per week at an intensity of 50-69% one repetition maximum, 6-12 repetitions for 1-4 sets to improve function, pain, and muscle strength. It should be noted that the number of female participants in studies was higher and caution should be taken in generalizing the results to men.
Conclusion: Improvement of muscle weakness, especially in the quadriceps, is important for the KOA treatment. Although the optimal dose for resistance training has not been prescribed, in general, using various types of resistance training is a useful solution to reduce symptoms and improve performance.
Purpose: Introducing resistance training as an important part of treatment protocols to manage KOA.
Methodology: To give an overview of the literature on resistance training in KOA patients, a literature search was performed and reviewed using the narrative approach.
Results: Weak quadriceps can worsen joint loading, leading to disease progression and reduced mobility so strengthening the quadriceps muscles is a key factor in the improvement of KOA conditions. Moreover, other lower limb muscles also weaken in KOA, causing performance decline and increased symptoms. Therefore, resistance training can be crucial for pain relief, restoring muscle strength, reducing stiffness, enhancing physical function, and improving psychological well-being but the optimal dose and type of resistance training for KOA are not fully known. Based on existing knowledge different types of resistance training, such as isometric, isotonic, and isokinetic exercise can be chosen based on goals and physical abilities. Also, it is recommended to exercise 2-3 days per week at an intensity of 50-69% one repetition maximum, 6-12 repetitions for 1-4 sets to improve function, pain, and muscle strength. It should be noted that the number of female participants in studies was higher and caution should be taken in generalizing the results to men.
Conclusion: Improvement of muscle weakness, especially in the quadriceps, is important for the KOA treatment. Although the optimal dose for resistance training has not been prescribed, in general, using various types of resistance training is a useful solution to reduce symptoms and improve performance.
Keywords