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In people who have knee osteoarthritis, physical therapy improves balance and reduces risk of falls

Mat S, Tan MP, Kamaruzzaman SB, et al. Physical therapies for improving balance and reducing falls risk in osteoarthritis of the knee: a systematic review. Age Ageing. 2015;44:16-24.

Review question

In people who have knee osteoarthritis, does physical therapy improve balance and reduce risk of falls?

Background

Osteoarthritis is a common form of arthritis that damages joints, such as the knee, and may cause pain and stiffness. People who have osteoarthritis may have impaired balance and be at greater risk of falling.

It has been suggested that, in addition to weight loss and exercise, physical therapy may improve balance and reduce risk of falls in people who have knee osteoarthritis.

How the review was done

The researchers did a systematic review, based on studies available up to November 2013.

They found 15 randomized controlled trials with 1,482 people (average age more than 60 years).

The key features of the trial were:

  • all people had knee osteoarthritis and did not have hip or spine osteoarthritis;
  • most physical therapies fell into the categories of strength training, Tai Chi, or aerobic exercise;
  • people may also have had other types of treatment, including medications;
  • duration of physical therapies and follow-up ranged from 2 weeks to 18 months; and
  • physical therapies were compared with control conditions, such no intervention, wellness education and stretching, education, subtherapeutic knee ultrasound, computer-skills training, less frequent physical therapy, or instructions to not engage in new physical therapy.

What the researchers found

Compared with control, strength training, Tai Chi, and aerobic exercise, improved balance.

Compared with control, strength training and aerobic exercise reduced risk of falls.

Conclusion

In people who have knee osteoarthritis, physical therapy improves balance and reduces risk of falls.

Treatments for balance in people with knee osteoarthritis

Outcomes

Type of physical therapy

Number of trials

Findings*

Balance

Strength training, Tai Chi, or aerobic exercise

9

Medium improvement

 

Strength training

6

Small improvement

 

Tai Chi

2

Large improvement

 

Aerobic exercises

1

Medium improvement

Risk of falls

Strength training, Tai Chi, or aerobic exercises

12

Medium improvement

 

Strength training

10

Small improvement

 

Tai Chi

1

No improvement

 

Aerobic exercises

1

Large improvement

*Amount of improvement compared with control based on standard mean differences: 0.2 to 0.49 = small improvement, 0.5 to 0.79 = medium improvement, 0.8 or more = large improvement.




Glossary

Randomized controlled trials
Studies where people are assigned to one of the treatments purely by chance.
Systematic review
A comprehensive evaluation of the available research evidence on a particular topic.

Related Web Resources

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    Osteoporosis Canada
    If you have osteoporosis, it is recommended to exercise regularly. A physical therapist or kinesiologist can give you advice on what type of exercise is best for you. You should do a combination of strength, posture, balance, and aerobic exercise.
  • Foot pain: When to see a doctor

    Mayo Clinic
    If you have foot pain due to an injury, it might respond well to rest and cold. Put ice on your foot for 15 to 20 minutes several times a day. You can also try anti-inflammatory medication. See a doctor right away if it is serious.
  • Dementia and falls

    Canadian Institute for Health Information
    Older adults with dementia have a higher risk of falls compared to other older adults. People with dementia are more likely to fall because of problems with mobility, balance and strength. Safety programs are available to help lower the amount of falls in older adults.
DISCLAIMER These summaries are provided for informational purposes only. They are not a substitute for advice from your own health care professional. The summaries may be reproduced for not-for-profit educational purposes only. Any other uses must be approved by the McMaster Optimal Aging Portal (info@mcmasteroptimalaging.org).

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