Journal of Nursing Update · Feb 7, 2026
Effect of Active Exercise (Stretching) on Reducing Knee Joint Pain in Older Adults at Mitra Medika Tanjung Mulia Hospital
By Ridho MAR, Saputra H, Ikhsan M
INTRODUCTION: Increasing life expectancy has caused the older adult population to continue growing, both globally and nationally. As they age, older adults experience various physiological changes that affect the musculoskeletal system, including knee joint disorders. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine the effect of active exercise (stretching) on reducing knee joint pain in older adults by comparing pain levels before and after the intervention. METHODS: This was a quantitative study using a quasi experiment design, namely a one group pretest–posttest design. RESULTS: The results showed that in the case group, 1 person (16.7%) had mild pain, 2 people (33.3%) had moderate pain, and 3 people (50%) had severe pain. Meanwhile, in the control group, 1 person (16.7%) had mild pain and 5 people (83.3%) had moderate pain. CONCLUSIONS: All older adults in the case group experienced a reduction in joint pain. Meanwhile, regarding joint pain intensity in the control group, no difference was found in the mean pain intensity before and after in the control group, indicating that there was no effect on reducing knee joint pain when passive exercise (stretching) was not provided. RECOMMENDATIONS: Passive exercise (stretching) movements are expected to return the patella to the correct track and reduce mechanical stress in the patellofemoral joint space.