Isokinetic strength-training in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee

Problem: To date, thera py of osteoarthritis of the knee is aimed at reliev ing pain and changing behavior patterns, which usually leads to reduced act ivity. The weakening of the quadricep's musculature leads to an increase in both joint instability and arthritis. Walking time is prolonged and the pa in-induced reaction of knee angle velocity is onset by increased stress on other joints. The progressive muscle atrophy correlates to the degree of pa in. The aim of this study was to demonstrate an improvement in strength and pain based on 4-week isokinetic strength training in gonarthritis patients . Method: During a conservative hospitalization period, isokinetic strength t raining was performed by 19 randomized patients with gonarthritis in additi on to regular physiocaltherapy. Another 19 patients functioned as a control group. The work was examined at 60 degrees/s and 180 degrees/s and rated u sing a pain questionnaire at the start and end of the investigation. Results: In addition to the expected increase of strength and strength endu rance in the test group, the degree of pain could also be statistically sig nificantly decreased compared to the control group. Activities of daily liv ing, such as climbing stairs and standing-up, were also performed more easi ly. Conclusions: The therapeutic strategy for patients with osteoarthritis of t he knee should be reconsidered to include less expensive therapeutic sport measures. Anglo-american and Scandinavian studies support this statement. O veruse and pain can be avoided by precise and low-dose strength training. O bjective and reproducible measurements in the patients are essential to mak e individual training possible.