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

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.