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The effect of isokinetic muscle strength training on osteoarthritis of the knee joint
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to determine if an eight-week isokinetic muscle strength training program would improve the functional health status of patients with osteoarthritis of the knee joint. Twenty volunteers with osteoarthritis of the knee joint were randomly assigned to an experiment (N = 10; 64.5 $\pm$ 5.5 years) or control (N = 10; 68.4 $\pm$ 8.7 years) group. The experiment group completed three sets of five maximal contractions three times per week for eight weeks on a Cybex II dynamometer at 90$\sp\circ$ per second. Both groups were pre- and post-tested for extension and flexion strength of the right and left legs, the 50-foot walk time, range of motion at the knee joint, the Osteoarthritis Screening Index (OASI), and the Arthritis Impact Measurement Scale (AIMS). Repeated measures ANOVA indicated there was a significant $(p<0.01)$ decrease in pain and stiffness and increased mobility as well as a significant $(p<0.001)$ decline in arthritis activity in the experiment group as measured by the OASI and AIMS, respectively. The experiment group significantly $(p<0.01)$ increased in all strength measures while the control group increased in only right leg flexion and left leg extension across the training period. These results indicate that isokinetic strength training of the flexor and extensor muscles of the leg decreases pain and increases mobility in patients with osteoarthritis at the knee joint.
Subject Area
Rehabilitation|Therapy
Recommended Citation
Schilke, Joyce Marylin, "The effect of isokinetic muscle strength training on osteoarthritis of the knee joint" (1993). ETD collection for University of Nebraska-Lincoln. AAI9322815.
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/dissertations/AAI9322815