The effectiveness of Kinesio Taping® for pain management in knee osteoarthritis: a randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trial

Background: Kinesio Taping® method is a nonpharmacological alternative for pain management in musculoskeletal disorders. However, the existing evidence is insufficient to assess its full effectiveness for pain management in knee osteoarthritis (KO). Our aim was to evaluate the effectiveness of the Kinesio Taping method in reducing knee pain for KO patients. Methods: In this randomized, double blind, controlled trial, we recruited 187 patients with grade I-III KO who were allocated to either the Kinesio Taping or control group. The study was carried out in outpatient facility. Either Kinesio Taping or nonspecific taping was applied on the affected knee area for 4 weeks. Pain evaluation was performed at baseline, after 1 month of taping and after 1 further month without taping. The data on usage of painkillers were collected; Numeric Pain Rating Scale; an algometer, and Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Scores (KOOS) pain subscale were used to assess pain. Tolerance and subjective opinions toward the effectiveness of taping were evaluated. The chosen level of significance was p < 0.05, ß ⩽ 0.2. Results: The majority (>70%) of both groups’ patients indicated that tapes reduced the knee pain. The reported use of painkillers decreased, in addition to self-reported increase in the KOOS subscale, thereby indicating pain alleviation. All self-reported improvement remained at the 1-month follow up ( p < 0.05). Significantly higher and clinically meaningful reduction of pain intensity was found in the Kinesio Taping group after the treatment month, in comparison with the control group ( p < 0.05). More pain reduction was reported in the daytime for participants in the Kinesio Taping group at the follow up ( p = 0.022). No changes in algometry results were observed. Conclusions: Elastic taping can safely relieve knee pain and reduce the need for pharmacological management in KO. A specific Kinesio Taping technique is clinically more beneficial for knee-pain alleviation in comparison with nonspecific taping. [ ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03076177.]

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The effectiveness of Kinesio Taping® for mobility and functioning improvement in knee osteoarthritis: a randomized, double-blind, controlled trial

Clinical Rehabilitation ◽

10.1177/0269215520916859 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 34 (7) ◽

pp. 877-889 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Venta Donec ◽

Raimondas Kubilius

Keyword(s):

Knee Osteoarthritis ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Outpatient Rehabilitation ◽

Control Group ◽

Double Blind ◽

Kinesio Taping ◽

Patient Reported ◽

Double Blinded

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of the Kinesio Taping® method for mobility and functioning improvement for patients with knee osteoarthritis (KO). Design: Randomized, double-blinded, controlled trial. Setting: Outpatient rehabilitation department. Subjects: A total of 187 subjects with symptomatic I–III grade KO participated; of these, 157 subjects were included in the analyses (intervention group, n = 81 (123 knees); control group, n = 76 (114 knees). Intervention: The intervention group received a specific Kinesio Taping application, and the control group received non-specific knee taping for a month. Main measures: Changes in Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Scores (KOOS), knee active range of motion, 10-Meter Walk, and the five times sit to stand tests (5xSST) were assessed at baseline, after four weeks of taping, and a month post taping intervention. Subjective participants’ experiences and opinions on the effect of knee taping were evaluated. The chosen level of significance was p < 0.05. Results: The mean age of participants was 68.7 ± 9.9 in intervention group and 70.6 ± 8.3 in control group ( p > 0.05). The change from baseline in gait speed in the intervention group after taping month was +0.04 ± 0.1 m/s, at follow-up +0.06 ± 0.1 m/s; in control group +0.07 ± 0.1 m/s, and +0.09 ± 0.1 m/s; the change in time needed to accomplish 5xSST was –2.2 ± 3.2 seconds, at follow-up –2.4 ± 3.1 seconds; in control group –2.8 ± 3.6 seconds, and –2.4 ± 4 seconds. Improved knee flexion and enhancement in functioning assessed by KOOS were noticed in both groups, with lasting improvement to follow up. No difference in the change in the above-mentioned outcomes was found between groups ( p > 0.05). Fewer subjects (6.2% (5) vs. 21.1% (16), χ2 = 7.5, df = 2, p = 0.024) from Kinesio Taping group were unsure if taping alleviated their mobility and more intervention group patients indicated higher subjective satisfaction with the effect of knee taping to symptom and mobility alleviation than control group ( p < 0.005). Conclusion: Investigated Kinesio Taping technique did not produce better results in mobility and functioning improvement over non-specific knee taping; however, it had higher patient-reported subjective value for symptom attenuation and experienced mobility enhancement.

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Evolution of pain at 3 months by oral resveratrol in knee osteoarthritis (ARTHROL): protocol for a multicentre randomised double-blind placebo-controlled trial

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2017-017652 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 7 (9) ◽

pp. e017652 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Christelle Nguyen ◽

Isabelle Boutron ◽

Gabriel Baron ◽

Emmanuel Coudeyre ◽

Francis Berenbaum ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Knee Osteoarthritis ◽

Knee Pain ◽

Rating Scale ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Tertiary Care ◽

Double Blind ◽

Double Blind Placebo ◽

Knee Oa ◽

The Mean ◽

Anti Inflammatory

IntroductionOsteoarthritis (OA) pathophysiology is driven in part by joint inflammation. Resveratrol has in vitro anti-inflammatory properties. We aim to assess the efficacy of oral resveratrol for knee pain at 3 months in people with knee OA.Methods and analysisWe will conduct a randomised double-blind placebo-controlled trial. Overall, 164 individuals with knee OA fulfilling 1986 American College of Rheumatology criteria will be recruited in three tertiary care centres in France and randomised to receive oral resveratrol, 40 mg (two caplets) two times per day for 1 week, then 20 mg (one caplet) two times per day or a matching placebo for a total of 6 months. Randomisation will be centralised and stratified by centre. The allocation ratio of assignments will be 1:1. The primary outcome will be the mean change from baseline in knee pain on a self-administered 11-point pain Numeric Rating Scale at 3 months. Secondary outcomes will be the mean change in knee pain at 6 months, the function subscore of the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index score, patient global assessment, proportion of responders according to the Osteoarthritis Research Society International–Outcome Measures in Rheumatology criteria at 3 and 6 months, and self-reported number of intra-articular injections of corticosteroids or hyaluronic acid and consumption of analgesics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs since the last contact. Other interventions will be allowed and self-reported. Adherence will be monitored by capsule counts and a booklet and adverse events recorded at 3 and 6 months. Statisticians, treating physicians and participants will be blinded to the allocated treatment.Ethics and disseminationThe oral resveratrol in knee osteoarthritis (ARTHROL) trial has been authorised by theAgenceNationale de Sécurité du Médicament et des Produits de Santéand ethics were approved by theComité deProtection des Personnes Île-de-FranceIII. The findings of the study will be published in a peer-reviewed journal and disseminated at conferences. The design of ARTHROL will warrant the translation of its findings into clinical practice.Trial registration numberClinicalTrials.gov identifier:NCT02905799. Pre-results. First received: 14 September 2016. Last updated: 16 September 2016. Status: not yet recruiting.

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Interferential current and photobiomodulation in knee osteoarthritis: A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial

Clinical Rehabilitation ◽

10.1177/02692155211012004 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 026921552110120

Author(s):

Renata Alqualo-Costa ◽

Érika Patrícia Rampazo ◽

Gustavo Ribeiro Thome ◽

Mônica Rodrigues Perracini ◽

Richard Eloin Liebano

Keyword(s):

Clinical Trial ◽

Knee Osteoarthritis ◽

Pain Intensity ◽

Rating Scale ◽

Pain Modulation ◽

Double Blind ◽

Time Points ◽

Double Blind Clinical Trial ◽

Interferential Current

Objectives: To evaluate the effects of interferential current and photobiomodulation in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Design: A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial. Setting: Physiotherapy Clinic of City University of São Paulo. Subjects: A total of 184 patients with knee osteoarthritis were recruited and, of these, 168 were included and randomized into four groups with 42 each: interferential current, photobiomodulation, interferential current plus photobiomodulation or placebo groups. One hundred and sixty-four patients completed the study. Intervention: Patients received 12 sessions (three times a week) of treatment: 30 minutes of interferential current (active or placebo) followed by photobiomodulation (active or placebo). Main measures: Primary outcome: pain intensity at rest and during movement (numeric rating scale) after 12 sessions. Secondary outcomes: functional capacity (Timed Up & Go and Sit and Lift tests and Lequesne and WOMAC questionnaires), pressure pain threshold, conditioned pain modulation, and muscle strength production (isokinetic evaluation). Patients were assessed at baseline, after 12 sessions, and three and six months after the end of the treatment. Results: Interferential current plus photobiomodulation reduced pain intensity at rest and during movement compared to placebo and interferential current at all time points ( P < 0.05). Photobiomodulation reduced pain intensity at rest compared to placebo at all time points ( P < 0.05) and compared to interferential current at six months follow-up ( P < 0.05). Photobiomodulation reduced pain intensity during movement compared to placebo at six months follow-up ( P < 0.05). Conclusion: Interferential current plus photobiomodulation or isolated photobiomodulation improve pain intensity in knee osteoarthritis.

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A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial of Efficacy and Safety: Drug-Free Gel Containing Ultra-Deformable Phospholipid Vesicles (TDT 064) in Osteoarthritic Knees

Clinical Medicine Insights Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Disorders ◽

10.1177/11795441211031338 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 14 ◽

pp. 117954412110313

Author(s):

Varah Yuenyongviwat ◽

Khanin Iamthanaporn ◽

Pakjai Tuntarattanapong ◽

Theerawit Hongnaparak ◽

Boonsin Tangtrakulwanich

Keyword(s):

Knee Osteoarthritis ◽

Rescue Medication ◽

Rating Scale ◽

Numerical Rating Scale ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Topical Therapy ◽

Phospholipid Vesicles ◽

Control Group ◽

Drug Free

Background: There are a number of topical agents that are used for treatment of knee osteoarthritis. Drug-free gels, containing ultra-deformable phospholipid vesicles (TDT 064) are one such topical therapy, which have been stated to act as a bio lubricant. However, the evidence of TDT 064 in treatment of knee osteoarthritis is limited. Hence, the aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of pain control as a primary outcome and safety of TDT 064 compared with a topical placebo. Methods: Sixty-four patients with primary osteoarthritis, with radiographic showing Kellgren and Lawrence classification grade II to III, were randomized into 2 groups. In the first group of 32 patients TDT 064 was used as topical agent, whilst in the second group of 32 patients a placebo identical in appearance was used instead. The verbal numerical rating scale (VNRS) was used for recording pain levels, Self-reported Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Scores (KOOS) as well as amounts of rescue medication were also recorded. The data were recorded at the start of the study, and then at follow-up appointments of 14 days, 6 weeks, and 3 months. Results: The mean VNRS for pain in both groups were significantly improved, when compared to the start of treatment ( P < .0001); however, there were no differences between groups at any follow up visit. KOOS in all subscales were not significantly different between both groups at baseline and at the end of treatment. However, the average amount of NSAIDs in the TDT 064 group was 26.39 ± 22.11 tabs, which was significantly lower than the control group; which used an average 37.03 ± 19.22 tabs in 3 months ( P = .047). Conclusions: There were no differences in the VNRS for pain and KOOS scores between the active and placebo groups. Although, TDT 064 could decrease usage of rescue medication the difference with use of a placebo was minimal. Further, larger trials would also be beneficial to demonstrate any differences between TDT 064 and a placebo. Trial Registration: TCTR, TCTR 20190302001. Registered 1 March, 2019: http://www.clinicaltrials.in.th

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Kinesio taping as an alternative treatment for manual laborers with carpal tunnel syndrome: A double-blind randomized clinical trial

Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation ◽

10.3233/bmr-210035 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-9

Author(s):

Atefeh Aminian-Far ◽

Dariush Pahlavan ◽

Fatemeh Maleki Kohnegi

Keyword(s):

Clinical Trial ◽

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome ◽

Median Nerve ◽

Carpal Tunnel ◽

Control Group ◽

Double Blind ◽

Kinesio Taping ◽

Tunnel Syndrome ◽

Electrophysiological Examination

BACKGROUND: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is one of the most common forms of peripheral neuropathies due to median nerve compression. Occupational factors, such as repetitive hand motions are believed to be associated with this condition. OBJECTIVE: This clinical trial assessed the effect of Kinesio taping (KT) of hand flexor muscles on the management of mild to moderate CTS in Iranian manual laborers. METHODS: Thirty manual laborers with mild to moderate CTS participated in this clinical trial. They were assigned to an intervention or a control group. The treatment consisted of a 2-week KT followed by a 4-week follow-up. The control group received sham KT without tension applied. Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire scores, pinch and grip force tests, and electrophysiological examination of the median nerve were performed for each participant at baseline, 24 to 48 hours, and two to four weeks of follow-up. The statistical analysis of variance was performed five times for all participants, comparing differences in the data within and between the two groups. RESULTS: The baseline assessment revealed no inter-group differences in the clinical outcomes (P⩽ 0.05). Comparisons of the changes in the electro-physiological and functional variables indicated significantly greater improvement in the KT group than in the sham counterpart (P< 0.05). No statically significant improvement was evident by the electrodiagnostic criteria in the sham-KT group (P⩽ 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: KT is an effective, safe, reliable, and conservative therapeutic choice for the management of patients with CTS. The treatment does not restrict the daily activities of patients nor has it any side effects.

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Effect of low-dose amitriptyline on reducing pain in clinical knee osteoarthritis compared to benztropine: study protocol of a randomised, double blind, placebo-controlled trial

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders ◽

10.1186/s12891-021-04690-y ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 22 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Anita E. Wluka ◽

Donna M. Urquhart ◽

Andrew J. Teichtahl ◽

Sultana Monira Hussain ◽

Andrew Forbes ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Knee Osteoarthritis ◽

Pain Intensity ◽

Knee Pain ◽

Low Dose ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Treatment Strategies ◽

Trial Registration ◽

Womac Pain ◽

Double Blind ◽

Pain Subscale

Abstract Background Knee osteoarthritis is a major cause of pain and disability. Pain control is poor, with most patients remaining in moderate to severe pain. This may be because central causes of pain, a common contributor to knee pain, are not affected by current treatment strategies. Antidepressants, such as amitriptyline, have been used to treat chronic pain in other conditions. The aim of this randomised, double blind, controlled trial, is to determine whether low dose amitriptyline reduces pain in people with painful knee osteoarthritis over 3 months compared to benztropine, an active placebo. Methods/design One hundred and sixty people with painful radiographic knee osteoarthritis will be recruited via clinicians, local and social media advertising. Participants will be randomly allocated in a 1:1 ratio to receive either low dose amitriptyline (25 mg) or active placebo (benztropine mesylate, 1 mg) for 3 months. The primary outcome is change from baseline in knee pain (WOMAC pain subscale) at 12 weeks. Secondary outcomes include change in function (total WOMAC) and the proportion of individuals achieving a substantial response (≥ 50% reduction in pain intensity, measured by Visual Analog Scale, VAS, from no pain to worst pain imaginable, 0-100 mm) and moderate response (≥ 30% reduction in pain intensity, measured by VAS) at 12 weeks. Intention to treat analyses will be performed. Subgroup analyses will be done. Discussion This study will provide high level evidence regarding the effectiveness of low dose amitriptyline compared to benztropine in reducing pain and improving function in knee OA. This trial has the potential to provide an effective new therapeutic approach for pain management in knee osteoarthritis, with the potential of ready translation into clinical practice, as it is repurposing an old drug, which is familiar to clinicians and with a well described safety record. Trial registration Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry prior to recruitment commencing (ACTRN12615000301561, March 31, 2015, amended 14 December 2018, February 2021). Additional amendment requested 18 July 2021.

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A Prospective Randomized Comparison of the Efficacy of Ultrasound- vs FluoroscopyGuided Genicular Nerve Block for Chronic Knee Osteoarthritis

January 2018 - Pain Physician ◽

10.36076/ppj/2019.22.139 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 2 (22.2) ◽

pp. 139-146

Author(s):

Seong-Soo Choi

Keyword(s):

Pain Relief ◽

Knee Osteoarthritis ◽

Knee Pain ◽

Nerve Block ◽

Rating Scale ◽

Numeric Rating Scale ◽

Pain Clinic ◽

Nerve Blocks ◽

Numeric Rating

Background: Recently, genicular nerve block and radiofrequency ablation were introduced to alleviate knee pain in patients with chronic knee osteoarthritis. Both ultrasound- and fluoroscopyguided genicular nerve blocks have been used. However, whether one is superior to the other remains unknown. Objectives: The present study compares the efficacy of ultrasound- vs fluoroscopy-guided genicular nerve blocks. Study Design: This research used a prospective randomized comparison design. Setting: The study took place at a single pain clinic within a tertiary medical center in Seoul, Republic of Korea. Methods: From July 2015 to September 2017, a randomized controlled study was performed to analyze the difference in the efficacy of ultrasound- vs fluoroscopy-guided genicular nerve blocks. The Numeric Rating Scale (NRS-11), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC), Global Perceived Effect Scales (GPES), and complications were evaluated preprocedure, and 1 and 3 months after genicular nerve block. Results: A total of 80 patients were enrolled and randomly distributed to groups U (ultrasoundguided, n = 40) and F (fluoroscopy-guided, n = 40). Those who were lost to follow-up or had undergone other interventions were excluded, resulting in 31 and 30 patients in groups U and F, respectively. No differences in NRS-11 or WOMAC were observed between the 2 groups at baseline or during the follow-up period. GPES and complication rates were also similar between both groups. Limitations: We were unable to perform double-blind randomization and did not evaluate patients’ baseline emotional states. Conclusions: Pain relief, functional improvement, and safety were similar between groups receiving ultrasound- and fluoroscopy-guided genicular nerve blocks. Therefore, either of the 2 imaging devices may be utilized during a genicular nerve block for chronic knee pain relief. However, considering radiation exposure, ultrasound guidance may be superior to fluoroscopic guidance. The study protocol was approved by our institutional review board (2015-0369), and written informed consent was obtained from all patients. The trial was registered with the Clinical Research Information Service (KCT 0002846). This work was presented in part as D-H Kim’s MS thesis at the University of Ulsan College of Medicine (2018). Key words: Genicular nerve block, ultrasound, fluoroscopy, knee osteoarthritis, Numeric Rating Scale, The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index

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The efficacy of transcatheter arterial embolization for knee pain on patients with knee osteoarthritis: A case series

Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation ◽

10.3233/bmr-210043 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-6

Author(s):

Kun Yung Kim ◽

Gi-Wook Kim

Keyword(s):

Conservative Treatment ◽

Knee Osteoarthritis ◽

Knee Pain ◽

Transcatheter Arterial Embolization ◽

Rating Scale ◽

Case Series ◽

Arterial Embolization ◽

Numeric Rating Scale ◽

Knee Oa ◽

Before And After

BACKGROUND: Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is accompanied by inflammation and angiogenesis. Modifying angiogenesis through transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) can be a potential treatment for knee OA. OBJECTIVE: We subjected five OA knees in three patients to TAE and report the results of our post-treatment observations. CASE DESCRIPTION: Three patients that had experienced knee pain for a minimum of one year prior to the study, and whose pain had persisted despite conservative treatment, were included in this study. Patients more often chose conservative treatment over surgical treatment. Pain and functional scales were evaluated before, immediately, and 1 month after TAE using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). TAE was performed by an experienced interventional radiologist. The average values of NRS evaluated before and after 5 TAEs were 5.2 before TAE, 3 immediately after TAE, and 3.6 after 1 month of TAE, and the average values of WOMAC were 52, 38.4, and 36.4, respectively. There were no major adverse effects. CONCLUSION: The examined cases support the conclusion that TAE is an effective treatment for patients with knee OA. Substantial pain relief and WOMAC improvement were observed both immediately and one month after TAE.

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Effect of liraglutide on body weight and pain in patients with overweight and knee osteoarthritis: protocol for a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, single-centre trial

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2018-024065 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 9 (5) ◽

pp. e024065 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Henrik Gudbergsen ◽

Marius Henriksen ◽

Eva Ejlersen Wæhrens ◽

Anders Overgaard ◽

Henning Bliddal ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Weight Loss ◽

Body Weight ◽

Knee Osteoarthritis ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Single Centre ◽

Double Blind ◽

Double Blind Placebo ◽

Knee Oa ◽

Parallel Group ◽

Pain Subscale

IntroductionWith an increasing prevalence of citizens of older age and with overweight, the health issues related to knee osteoarthritis (OA) will intensify. Weight loss is considered a primary management strategy in patients with concomitant overweight and knee OA. However, there are no widely available and feasible methods to sustain weight loss in patients with overweight and knee OA. The present protocol describes a randomised controlled trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist liraglutide in a 3 mg/day dosing in patients with overweight and knee OA.Methods and analysis150 volunteer adult patients with overweight or obesity and knee OA will participate in a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group and single-centre trial. The participants will partake in a run-in diet intervention phase (week −8 to 0) including a low calorie diet and dietetic counselling. At week 0, patients will be randomised to either liraglutide 3 mg/day or liraglutide placebo 3 mg/day for 52 weeks as an add-on to dietetic guidance on re-introducing regular foods and a focus on continued motivation to engage in a healthy lifestyle. The co-primary outcomes are changes in body weight and the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score pain subscale from week 0 to week 52.Ethics and disseminationThe trial has been approved by the regional ethics committee in the Capital Region of Denmark, the Danish Medicines Agency and the Danish Data Protection Agency. An external monitoring committee (The Good Clinical Practice Unit at Copenhagen University Hospitals) will oversee the trial. The results will be presented at international scientific meetings and through publications in peer-reviewed journals.Trial registration numbers2015-005163-16,NCT02905864, U1111-1171-4970Based on protocol versionV.6; 30 January 2017, 15:30 hours

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The Effect of a Lower Body Positive Pressure Supported Treadmill Exercise Regime on Systemic Biomarkers of Inflammation and Cartilage Degradation in Individuals with Knee Osteoarthritis: A Pilot Study

International Journal of Kinesiology and Sports Science ◽

10.7575/aiac.ijkss.v.9n.3p18 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (3) ◽

pp. 18

Author(s):

Stephen Cornish ◽

Jason Peeler

Keyword(s):

Articular Cartilage ◽

Knee Pain ◽

Weight Bearing ◽

Cartilage Degradation ◽

Treadmill Walking ◽

Positive Pressure ◽

Control Group ◽

Knee Oa ◽

And Cartilage

Background: Knee osteoarthritis (OA) has been linked to a chronic low-grade inflammatory response and altered metabolic activity of articular cartilage. Objective: The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the effectiveness of a 12-week (3 times/week) lower body positive pressure (LBPP) treadmill walking regime on knee pain and systemic biomarkers of inflammation and cartilage degradation. Methods: Sixteen overweight (BMI > 25 kg/m2) knee OA patients were randomized to a LBPP treadmill walking exercise group (N = 7) or non-exercise control group (N = 9). Baseline and 12-week follow-up assessments evaluated the following dependent variables: acute knee pain during full weight bearing treadmill walking; inflammatory biomarkers (C-reactive protein, interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, s100A8/A9, and tumor necrosis factor-α), and catabolic metabolism of articular cartilage (sCOMP). Results: Knee pain at baseline and follow-up remained unchanged for the non-exercise control group (P > 0.05). However, knee pain for the LBPP exercise group was significantly decreased at follow-up (P ≤ 0.05). No differences in the biomarkers of inflammation and cartilage degradation were observed for between and within group comparisons (all P > 0.05). Conclusions: Data suggested that the LBPP supported walking regime could be effectively used to promote regular weight bearing exercise without exacerbation of knee joint pain and did not increase levels of systemic inflammation or catabolic activity of articular cartilage in overweight knee OA patients. This pilot investigation offers important insight regarding the potential role that the LBPP technology could play in facilitating investigations examining the disease modifying effect of exercise on knee OA pathogenesis.

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