Study Summary

Sixty adults with knee osteoarthritis were randomized to receive either neuromuscular joint facilitation (NJF) (n=30) or quadriceps strengthening exercises (n=30), both conducted twice weekly over six weeks. The primary outcome was pain measured by the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS). Secondary outcomes included the 30-second chair stand test (30s-CST) for physical function, and the single leg stance (SLS) for balance control. Outcomes were assessed at baseline and at six weeks. Overall, the results of the study revealed that both groups experienced significant improvements in all outcomes over six weeks, but no statistically significant differences were found between groups. The findings suggest that NJF is as effective as quadriceps strengthening in reducing pain and improving function and balance in knee osteoarthritis over a short-term period.