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Efficacy of Tailored Exercise Therapy on Physical Functioning in Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis and Comorbidity: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Author(s) -
de Rooij Mariëtte,
van der Leeden Marike,
Cheung John,
van der Esch Martin,
Häkkinen Arja,
Haverkamp Daniël,
Roorda Leo D.,
Twisk Jos,
Vollebregt Joke,
Lems Willem F.,
Dekker Joost
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
arthritis care and research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.032
H-Index - 163
eISSN - 2151-4658
pISSN - 2151-464X
DOI - 10.1002/acr.23013
Subject(s) - medicine , womac , physical therapy , randomized controlled trial , osteoarthritis , comorbidity , body mass index , confidence interval , clinical trial , alternative medicine , pathology
Objective To evaluate the efficacy on physical functioning and safety of tailored exercise therapy in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA) and comorbidities. Methods In a randomized controlled trial, 126 participants were included with a clinical diagnosis of knee OA and at least 1 of the following target comorbidities: coronary disease, heart failure, type 2 diabetes mellitus, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or obesity (body mass index ≥30 kg/m 2 ), with severity score ≥2 on the Cumulative Illness Rating Scale. The intervention group received a 20‐week, individualized, comorbidity‐adapted exercise program consisting of aerobic and strength training and training of daily activities. The control group received their current medical care for knee OA and were placed on a waiting list for exercise therapy. Primary outcome measures were the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, subscale physical functioning (WOMAC‐pf), and the 6‐minute walk test (6MWT). Measurements were performed at baseline, after 20 weeks (directly posttreatment), and at 3 months posttreatment. Results Statistically significant physical functioning differences over time were found between the intervention and control group (WOMAC: B = −7.43 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) −9.99, −4.87], P < 0.001; and 6MWT: B = 34.16 [95% CI 17.68, 50.64], P < 0.001) in favor of the intervention group. At 3 months followup, the mean improvements in the intervention group were 33% on the WOMAC scale and 15% on the 6MWT. These improvements are of clinical relevance. No serious adverse events occurred during the intervention. Conclusion This is the first study showing that tailored exercise therapy is efficacious in improving physical functioning and safe in patients with knee OA and severe comorbidities.