The Effects of Home-Based Rehabilitation Treatments Among Persons With Symptomatic Knee Osteoarthritis

Knee Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most frequent causes of physical disability and pain
among adults. Recent evidence suggests that shorter exercise programs that incorporate
kinesthesia, balance and agility (KBA) techniques may result in more rapid symptom relief
and functional improvements in comparison to traditional therapeutic exercise. KBA
techniques are designed to improve dynamic joint stability by using a series of activities
which challenge balance and coordination. To determine the independent effects of KBA
training on functional abilities, it is necessary to test it as a training program unto
itself. The proposed clinical trial is designed to do this by using three training groups:
KBA only; lower extremity strength training only; and a combination of the two. The total
exercise time and intensity of each condition will be approximately equal. A non-exercise
group will control for any effects related to the testing procedures and the passage of
time. Community volunteer men and women age 50 and over with physician diagnosed
symptomatic knee OA will participate.