Riassunto dello studio

Thirty-six patients with medial compartment knee osteoarthritis were randomized to receive either general rehabilitation treatment alone (GT group, n=18) or general rehabilitation plus hip abductor and adductor strengthening exercises (AH group, n=18). The primary outcomes included knee extension and flexion strength, and hip abductor and adductor strength. Secondary outcomes included the Five Times Sit-to-Stand Test (FTSST), Timed Up and Go Test (TUGT), Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) for pain, and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) scores. Outcomes were assessed at baseline and after six weeks. Overall, the AH group showed significantly greater improvements in muscle strength and functional performance, such as faster FTSST and TUGT times. However, no significant differences in long-term pain relief were observed. These findings suggest that adding hip exercises to rehabilitation may enhance muscle strength and physical function in knee osteoarthritis patients.