Efficacy of simple integrated group rehabilitation program for patientswith knee osteoarthritis: Single-blind randomized controlled trial

摘要

We investigated the role of an evidencebased integratedgroup rehabilitation program on the treatment of patientswith knee osteoarthritis (KOA). This was a twogroup, randomizedcontrolled, 8 wk trial with 41 patients with moderate tovery severe KOA. Patients were assigned to an interventiongroup (IG) or control group (CG). After both groups hadreceived a selfmanagement education program, IG participantsunderwent a rehabilitation program, including educationalaspects about KOA followed by exercises. CG participantsreceived only general health orientation about KOA during thisperiod. The outcome measures were the Lequesne algofunctionalindex; 36Item Short Form Health Survey (SF36); andchairstand, sitandreach, timed upandgo, and 6minute walktests. Analysis of covariance revealed significant postinterventionimprovements of IG participants compared with CG participants(p < 0.05) on Lequesne total score and pain and functionsubdomains; SF36 physical function, role physical, bodilypain, general health, vitality, and role emotional subdomains;and performance assessed by chairstand, timed upandgo, and6minute walk tests. Focusing on the primary outcome(Lequesne total score), the mean +/– standard deviation after8 wk was 5.50 +/– 2.98 for the IG and 7.87 +/– 3.48 for the CG(p = 0.009). The corresponding effect size (partial eta squaredwith 90% confidence interval) was 0.23 (0.04–0.42), indicatinga large effect. The presented rehabilitation program reducedpain and improved quality of life and function in patients withKOA.