Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effects of aquatic exercises (AEs) and total resistance exercises (TRX) on the pain and function of women with knee osteoarthritis.
Methods: This randomized controlled trial was conducted on 53 patients diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis. The patients were randomly allocated into 3 groups of TRX (n = 19), AEs (n = 18), and control (n = 16). The experimental groups received 8 weeks of TRX and AEs, and the control group only received medication. Outcomes were measured before, after 8-weeks of intervention, and after a 6-month follow-up. Outcomes were the visual analog scale (VAS), the quadriceps strength was examined by a dynamometer, the function was assessed using the Western Ontario and McMaster universities osteoarthritis index (WOMAC), functional capacity was measured using the timed up and go test (TUG), 40-meter walking speed (WS) test, and going up and down 8-stair (GUDS), and the quality of life (QOL) was evaluated using the SF-36.
Results: Pain and QOL improved significantly after the 8-week intervention and 6-month follow-up in both experimental groups (P < .05). However, quadriceps strength, TUG, WS, and GUDS improved significantly after the 8-week intervention and 6-month follow-up only in the TRX group (P < .05). In addition, the WOMAC improved only in the AEs group (P < .05).
Conclusions: The TRX intervention enhanced the strength and functional capacity of the patients with knee osteoarthritis more effectively compared to the AEs, while improving pain and QOL were similar to the AEs.
Author keywords: Aquatic Therapy; Osteoarthritis, Knee; Pain; Resistance Training.
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