title: The effects of sensorimotor training on knee proprioception and function for patients with knee osteoarthritis: a preliminary report.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To investigate the effects of a sensorimotor training programme in osteoarthritic patients.
  
  
  METHODS
  Randomized, single-blind, controlled trial.
  
  
  METHODS
  Kinesiology laboratory at School of Physical Therapy.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 60 patients were randomly assigned to the training group and the control group. Only 29 patients (training group, 15; control group, 14) completed the study.
  
  
  METHODS
  The training group underwent a sensorimotor training programme using a sling suspension system complemented by a routine physical therapy. The control group underwent a routine physical therapy.
  
  
  METHODS
  Active joint repositioning, functional testings, and self-reported function with the Western Ontario & McMaster Universities Arthritis Index before and after the eight-week intervention.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There were significant differences between the two groups with respect to the improvement in proprioception as measured by active joint repositioning (the changes in the absolute error were 1.9+/- 1.7 degrees , training group versus 0.1 +/- 2.8 degrees , control group (P<0.05), and in self-reported functional difficulty (33.2 +/-35.1, training group versus 8.0+/- 10.2, control group; P<0.05)). There was no significant difference between the two groups in other outcomes.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A sensorimotor training using a sling suspension system improved the patients' proprioception in the knee joints and their self-reported function. Thus, these exercises may serve as an exercise programme for patients with knee osteoarthritis.
authors.affiliation: School and Graduate Institute of Physical Therapy, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.
authors.forename: Jau-Yih
authors.initials: JY
authors.lastname: Tsauo
authors.forename: Pai-Fu
authors.initials: PF
authors.lastname: Cheng
authors.forename: Rong-Sen
authors.initials: RS
authors.lastname: Yang
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005684:Gait; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009864:Ontario; D020370:Osteoarthritis, Knee / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000628:therapy*; D010349:Patient Compliance; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D011434:Proprioception; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome