Lots of studies show that strengthening exercises can help older adults with knee osteoarthritis (OA). But what kind of exercises work best? This study looked at 102 people with knee OA who were not exercising.
At the beginning of the study, participants were timed in going up and down a flight of stairs and in laying down and getting up off the floor. The subjects were then divided into three groups. One group used large elastic bands to do dynamic resistance training, which moves the legs through the range of motion. Another group used the bands for isometric resistance training on the legs. Isometric training involves pulling or pushing against the resistance of the bands without moving the joints. Both groups of exercisers followed a set program. They exercised three times a week for 16 weeks. A control group did no exercises during this time period.
The researchers then repeated the timed tests. People in both exercise groups had gotten faster at both tests. They also reported less pain afterwards. Both types of training with elastic bands seems to be an effective way to help people with knee OA improve daily function.