The effect of intra-articular hyaluronic acid treatment on gait velocity in older knee osteoarthritis patients: a randomized, controlled study

30 elderly patients with confirmed diagnosis of mild to moderate osteoarthritis of the knee were randomized to receive either 3 weekly injections of hyaluronic acid or a placebo treatment. The purpose of the study was to evaluate if intra-articular hyaluronic acid injections significantly increased self-selected and fast gait velocity compared to placebo. Follow-up was conducted at 4 weeks, and 3 and 6 months after the beginning of treatment. No significant between-group differences were noted for either self-selected gait velocity or fast gait-velocity.