A Stimulus-Response Framework to Investigate the Influence of Continuous Versus Interval Walking Exercise on Select Serum Biomarkers in Knee Osteoarthritis

Objective To investigate the effects of exercise training alone and in combination with kinesio taping on pain, functionality, and circulating cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP), and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1, and -3 at rest and immediately after walking exercise in knee osteoarthritis (OA). Design A total of 22 female patients diagnosed with knee OA were randomly divided into the exercise training (ET) or exercise training plus kinesio taping (ET + KT) groups. The patients in the ET performed exercise training for 6 weeks. The patients in the ET + KT group were applied with kinesio tape in addition to the exercise training for 6 weeks. In both groups, 20 minutes of walking exercise were performed before and after the interventions. The pain and functional status of the patients were assessed using visual analogue scale (VAS) and Western Ontario McMasters Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) before and after the intervention at rest, respectively. Blood samples were taken at rest and immediately after the walking exercise before and after the interventions for the analysis of COMP, MMP-1, and MMP-3 levels. Results In both groups, pain and functionality scores were significantly improved after the interventions ( P < 0.05). COMP, MMP-1 and MMP-3 levels were higher immediately after walking exercise when compared with rest in both groups before and after the intervention ( P < 0.05). Conclusions Exercise training and exercise training plus kinesio taping improved pain and physical function; however, the COMP, MMP-1, and MMP-3 levels did not change.

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Sensor-Based Gait Retraining Lowers Knee Adduction Moment and Improves Symptoms in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Sensors ◽

10.3390/s21165596 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (16) ◽

pp. 5596

Author(s):

Sizhong Wang ◽

Peter P. K. Chan ◽

Ben M. F. Lam ◽

Zoe Y. S. Chan ◽

Janet H. W. Zhang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Knee Osteoarthritis ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Pain Scale ◽

Exercise Group ◽

Knee Adduction Moment ◽

Gait Retraining ◽

Medial Knee ◽

Knee Oa ◽

Knee Loading ◽

Walking Exercise

The present study compared the effect between walking exercise and a newly developed sensor-based gait retraining on the peaks of knee adduction moment (KAM), knee adduction angular impulse (KAAI), knee flexion moment (KFM) and symptoms and functions in patients with early medial knee osteoarthritis (OA). Eligible participants (n = 71) with early medial knee OA (Kellgren-Lawrence grade I or II) were randomized to either walking exercise or gait retraining group. Knee loading-related parameters including KAM, KAAI and KFM were measured before and after 6-week gait retraining. We also examined clinical outcomes including visual analog pain scale (VASP) and Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) at each time point. After gait retraining, KAM1 and VASP were significantly reduced (both Ps < 0.001) and KOOS significantly improved (p = 0.004) in the gait retraining group, while these parameters remained similar in the walking exercise group (Ps ≥ 0.448). However, KAM2, KAAI and KFM did not change in both groups across time (Ps ≥ 0.120). A six-week sensor-based gait retraining, compared with walking exercise, was an effective intervention to lower medial knee loading, relieve knee pain and improve symptoms for patients with early medial knee OA.

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