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

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.