A comparison of the efficacy of nonweight-bearing and weight-bearing exercise programmes on function and pain pressure thresholds in knee osteoarthritis: a randomised study

Abstract

Aim

To establish what type of intervention (nonweight-bearing [NWB] or weight-bearing [WB]) was more effective in enhancing muscle strength and knee function and in increasing pressure pain thresholds (PPT) points close and distant from the knee (hyperalgesia) in persons with mild and moderate knee osteoarthritis (KOA).

Methods

Thirty persons (62 ± 9 years) with mild or moderate KOA and knee pain for 6 months or more were randomly stratified according to sex and KOA severity to groups of intervention: WB or NWB. The intervention was performed three times a week over 8 weeks, focussing on progressive strength exercise. One-repetition maximum strength (1-RM) test, the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities (WOMAC) function scale and PPT points close and distant from the knee were evaluated before and after the intervention.

Results

Both interventions promoted improvement in 1-RM test (NWB exercise [IC 63–88], p = 0.001; WB exercise [IC 57–122], p = 0.007), functional capacity (NWB exercise [IC 10–29.4], p = 0.001; WB exercise [IC 10–45], p = 0.001), PPT points close to the knee (NWB exercise [IC 5.42–8.93], p = 0.001; WB exercise [IC 3.97–8.47], p = 0.001) and PPT points distant from the knee (NWB exercise [IC 4.38–7.70], p = 0.001; WB exercise [IC 3.75–7.31], p = 0.002). There were no statistical differences between them.

Conclusions

The WB and NWB interventions were effective in improving muscle strength, knee function, and PPT points close and distant from the knee (hyperalgesia) in persons with mild and moderate KOA, with no significant differences between them.

Trial registration

Clinical trial registration number: RBR-5t95n5; Date of registration: July 15, 2013.

Keywords:

• Knee osteoarthritis
• exercise
• knee function
• hyperalgesia
• pain pressure thresholds

Acknowledgements

We appreciate the contribution of all students of the Laboratory of Physical Therapy and Neuromechanical of the Faculty of Physical Education, Federal University of Uberlandia, for technical assistance and discussions about the study.

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflict of interest.

Additional information

Funding

This study was financially supported by the Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de Minas Gerais [grant agreement number APQ-01110-10]; and by the Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior.