Efficacy of strengthening or aerobic exercise on pain relief in people with knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

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Eight randomized controlled trials were included in this meta-analysis which investigated the difference between muscle strengthening and aerobic exercise for treatment of knee osteoarthritis. The included trials featured 11 intervention groups composed of either non-weightbearing strengthening, weightbearing strengthening, or aerobic exercise protocols. The results indicated that all three rehabilitation techniques significantly reduced pain in the short term compared to control treatment, with the greatest effect size exhibited by non-weightbearing muscle strengthening.