Treatment of mild knee osteoarthritis with isometric exercises of quadriceps muscle

Objective To investigate the clinical effect of isometric exercises of quadriceps muscle in the improvement of life quality in the patients with mild knee osteoarthritis(KOA).Methods The patients with KOA(n=70) were guided to practice straight-leg raising isometric exercises of quadriceps muscle for 30 minute every day for 3 months.The improvement of life quality of the patients' was surveyed by using the questionnaire of University of Western Ontario and University of Manchester(WOMAC) Osteoarthritis Index.Results The life quality of all patients' was improved after the exercises,which manifested as the pain of knee joint was relieved when going upstairs or downstairs,and the difficult was reduced in going upstairs or downstairs,getting on car or bus and doing heavy housework.The scores of WOMAC were significantly different before and after the exercises(P0.01).Conclusion Nonweight bearing isometric exercises of quadriceps muscle(for 30 minutes everyday for 3 months) is a non-invasive,easy and reliable therapy for mild knee osteoarthritis.