Effects of Strengthening-Based Home Exercise Program on Pain and Function in Knee Osteoarthritis: Phase I Results of a Two-Phase Randomized Controlled Trial.

Study Summary

247 patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA) were randomized to receive an 8-week strengthening-based home exercise program with lifestyle advice (SHEP) or pain medication with lifestyle advice. The primary outcomes were pain intensity measured by Numeric pain rating scale (NPRS), pressure pain threshold (PPT), and physical function assessed using Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). Secondary outcomes included knee flexor and extensor strength, knee range of motion (ROM), walking ability measured by the 6-minute walk test (6MWT), and health-related quality of life measured by SF-36. Outcomes were assessed at baseline and after 8 weeks. Overall, the results revealed significantly greater improvements with SHEP across all primary and secondary outcomes, with significant group × time interactions (all p < 0.001). At 8 weeks, SHEP produced greater reductions in NPRS pain (MD = −1.95) and WOMAC total score (MD = −12.62), as well as greater improvement in PPT (MD = 0.46), than medication-based care. These findings suggest that a structured home strengthening program can provide an effective, feasible, and generally well-tolerated nonpharmacological rehabilitation strategy for KOA.