Effects of quadriceps functional exercise with isometric contraction in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis

Abstract Objective This study aims to investigate the effects of a quadriceps isometric contraction exercise method in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis ( OA ). Methods A total of 250 patients with a confirmed diagnosis of knee OA were enrolled. The patients were randomly divided into an exercise treatment test group (128 patients) and a traditional treatment control group (122 patients). Quadriceps isometric contraction exercise was used in the test group, and local physiotherapy and oral nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs were used in the control group. Knee joint function was evaluated with a visual analog scale ( VAS ) score and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index ( WOMAC ) questionnaire before treatment, and 1 and 3 months after treatment. Results VAS scoring and the WOMAC questionnaire showed significant relief in pain 1 month after treatment in the test group ( P < 0.05), but minimal relief in the control group; at 1 month, there was also minimal joint function improvement in the test group ( P > 0.05), but significant improvement in the control group ( P < 0.05). However, 3 months after treatment, pain relief and knee joint function were more improved in the test group than in the control group, with a significant difference ( P < 0.05). Conclusion Through our short‐term observation, joint pain was effectively relieved and knee joint function was improved with systematic quadriceps isometric contraction exercise.