Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies · Aug 30, 2025

Impact of strength training on physical function, biomechanical variables, and pain management in older adults with knee osteoarthritis: a randomized controlled trial

By Bersotti FM, da Silva RP, Barbanera M et al.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: This study investigated the effects of a 12-session, 4-week strength training protocol on pain, stiffness, and function in individuals with knee osteoarthritis (OA). METHODS: The interventions included low-load (20 % 1RM) and high-load (70 % 1RM) exercises, targeting different muscle groups. Participants were divided into three groups: low-load knee-only (K20), high-load knee-only (K0), and high-load knee and hip (HK70). Outcomes were assessed using isokinetic dynamometry, the WOMAC index, and the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, with comparisons made pre- and post-intervention. RESULTS: All groups experienced significant pain reduction and improved WOMAC scores for pain and function, and were maintained for up to 12 months. The HK70 group showed significant strength improvements in knee flexion and extension across all velocities, while the K70 group demonstrated similar gains at lower speeds. The K20 group achieved limited strength improvements, mainly in knee extension at slower speeds, and was the only group to show reduced stiffness. No significant differences were observed in the TUG test, likely due to participants' initial mobility levels. CONCLUSIONS: Short-term strength training effectively reduces pain and enhances function in knee OA patients. Both low- and high-load exercises offer benefits, with high-load protocols boosting strength and low-load exercises reducing stiffness. These findings highlight the importance of personalized strength training in OA management to promote pain relief, strength maintenance, and functional improvement. IMPLICATIONS: These findings support the use of strength training at different intensities to tailor interventions for symptom relief and functional improvement in individuals with knee osteoarthritis.

doi.org/10.1016/j.jbmt.2025.08.018PubMed 41316581Interventions