[A controlled trial of training in knee arthritis].
BACKGROUND
The aim was to investigate the effectiveness and safety of a physical training programme in patients with severe osteoarthritis of the knees.


METHODS
Twenty-five patients participated in this randomised clinical trial with a blind observer. Intervention consisted in training twice a week for three months and focused on general fitness, balance, co-ordination, and muscle strength. Follow-up was performed at 3 and 12 months. The recorded parameters were muscle strength, algofunctional index, pain, walking speed, and clinical findings.


RESULTS
At three months follow-up, muscle strength had improved in the intervention group. By one year, pain at night had decreased, but the number of palpable knee joint effusions had increased.


CONCLUSIONS
A general physical training programme appears to be beneficial to patients with osteoarthritis of the knees, but further investigation of the safety of such a programme is called for.
Røgind
H
H
H:S Frederiksberg Hospital, Parkerinstituttet, reumatologisk klinik, medicinsk center.
Nielsen
B B
BB
Jensen
B
B
Møller
H C
HC
Frimodt-Møller
H
H
Bliddal
H
H
D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000503:physiopathology; D020370:Osteoarthritis, Knee / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D010147:Pain Measurement; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012449:Safety; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D016138:Walking