Effects of open chain exercises on muscle strength and function in elderly patients with knee osteoarthritis

Objective: The purpose of this research was to verify the effectiveness of an eight week quadriceps strengthening program on pain, function and quality of life of patients with knee osteoarthritis. Material and methods: A hundred patients were randomized into two groups. Experimental Group - A performed open chain exercises in form of isometric quadriceps and straight leg exercises 5 days a week for 5 days whereas Control Group - B did not perform any exercise. The outcome measures or dependent variables selected for this study were pain intensity, isometric quadriceps strength, and knee function. All the measurements were taken at baseline (week 0) and at the end of the trial at week 5. Results: In between group comparisons, the maximum isometric quadriceps strength, reduction in pain intensity, and improvement in function in the isometric exercise Group - A at the end of the 5th week were significantly greater than those of the control Group - B (p<0.05). Conclusion: The 5 week isometric quadriceps exercise program showed beneficial effects on quadriceps muscle strength, pain, and functional disability.