Background
Overweight and obesity increase the risk of knee osteoarthritis (KOA) due to the mechanical load placed on weight-bearing joints, resulting in pain and functional limitations that make activities difficult. This can lead to weakness in the knee muscles, which can reduce physical function and impair daily activities. Exercise interventions are essential for people with knee osteoarthritis, but implementing these interventions can be difficult due to the potential risk of pain and injury. Aquatic exercise programs offer benefits to patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA) and can be an effective treatment option for this pathological condition.
Methods
In this study, 30 elderly women diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis were randomly assigned to either a no-exercise control group (CG=15) or an aquatic exercise group (AG=15). Aquatic exercise program was performed three times per week for eight weeks in a pool. Muscle function was evaluated by measuring peak torque of the knee muscles using an isokinetic dynamometer (Biodex Medical Systems, Shirley, NY, USA). Static balance was assessed through the Single Leg Stance Test (SLS), and knee pain intensity was quantified using a visual analog scale (VAS). Furthermore, health-related quality of life (HRQOL) was determined utilizing the validated Korean version of the EQ-5D-5L.
Results
The AG group significantly improved knee muscle function over time, with increases in extension of 60°/s (p < .001) and 180°/s (p < .05) and flexion of 60°/s (p < .01). Balance measures also showed a significant improvement in the AG group (p < .01), while the CG group showed a significant decrease (p < .01). Knee pain (VAS) and quality of life (EQ-5D) also showed significant improvement in the AG group, while there was no significant change in the CG group.
Conclusion
These findings suggest that water exercise improves muscular function, balance, and knee pain in overweight/obese women with osteoarthritis and contributes to their HRQOL.