This study found that for knee osteoarthritis, 24 total therapeutic exercise sessions and an 8 and 12 weeks had the greatest affect.
The Influence of Exercise Dosing on Outcomes in Patients With Knee Disorders: A Systematic Review
Study Design
Systematic review.
Background
Therapeutic exercise is commonly used to treat individuals with knee disorders, but dosing parameters for optimal outcomes are unclear. Large variations exist in exercise prescription, and research related to specific dosing variables for knee osteoarthritis, patellar tendinopathy and patellofemoral pain syndrome is sparse.
Objectives
To identify specific doses of exercise related to improved outcomes of pain and function in individuals with common knee disorders, categorized by effect size.
Methods
Five electronic databases were searched for studies related to exercise and the three diagnoses. Means and standard deviations were used to calculate effect sizes for the exercise groups. The overall quality of evidence was assessed using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale.
Results
583 studies were found after the initial search, and 45 were included for analysis of after screening. PEDro scores were ‘fair’ quality and ranged from 3-8. For knee osteoarthritis, 24 total therapeutic exercise sessions and an 8 and 12 week duration of exercise were parameters most often associated with large effects. An exercise frequency of once per week was associated with no effect. No trends were seen with exercise dosing for patellar tendinopathy and patellofemoral pain syndrome.
Conclusion
This review suggests there is clinically relevant exercise dosing variables that result in improved pain and function for patients with knee osteoarthritis, but optimal dosing is still unclear for patellar tendinopathy or patellofemoral pain syndrome. Prospective studies investigating dosing parameters are needed to confirm the results from this systematic review.
Level of Evidence
Therapy, level 1a. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther, Epub 10 Jan 2018. doi:10.2519/jospt.2018.7637