The effect of instruction in analgesic use compared with neuromuscular exercise on knee-joint load in patients with knee osteoarthritis: a randomized, single-blind, controlled trial

93 patients with primarily medial compartment knee osteoarthritis were randomized to either an 8-week neuromuscular exercise therapy program, or to traditional pharmacological intervention for 8 weeks with oral acetaminophen and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. The primary outcome was knee joint loading after completion of the 8-week treatment phases. No significant difference between groups was observed in the knee loading change (Knee Index; Nm/%BW HT) from baseline to 8 weeks.