| Purpose: To compare the efficacy of isolated hip and leg strengthening exercise programs on pain, function and quality of life of knee osteoarthritis (OA) patients. Methods: Knee OA patients were randomly assigned to either a 12-week home-based hip or leg strengthening exercise program. Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) and Western Ontario McMaster Arthritis Index (WOMAC) questionnaires, six minute walk test (SMWT), hip and knee range of motion, and hip and leg muscle strength were assessed at baseline and after completing the 12-week exercise program.;Conclusion: Isolated hip and leg strengthening exercise programs appear to similarly improve pain, function and quality of life in knee OA patients.;Results: Thirty-seven and thirty-five subjects completed the hip and leg exercise programs, respectively. A statistically significant improvement in the KOOS Pain subscore was observed for both hip and leg strengthening programs, with no statistical difference in the change in score observed between the groups after 12 weeks. Improvements in KOOS Symptoms, Activities of Daily Living, Sport and Recreation Function (SRF) and Quality of Life; WOMAC Pain, Stiffness and Physical Function; SMWT; and Hip and Leg strength were observed for both groups. At the completion of 12 weeks of exercise the Leg group demonstrated statistically greater improvements in KOOS SRF, WOMAC Pain and Stiffness, and knee flexion strength; no differences between groups were observed for any other outcome measure. |
