Effects of resistance training in individuals with knee osteoarthritis

Efeitos de um treinamento de resistência muscular em indivíduos com osteoartrite de joelho

Abstract

Introduction:

Osteoarthritis (OA), the most common form of arthritis, is considered the main cause of pain and disability in the elderly.

Objective:

To evaluate the effect of systematic muscle strength training on functional performance and quality of life in individuals with knee OA.

Methods:

Subjects with knee OA (n = 27, 46 - 76 years) completed the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), Medical Outcomes Short-Form 36-item Health Survey (SF-36), and visual analog scale (VAS) questionnaires, musculoskeletal assessments, and 10-repetition maximum and timed 10-meter walk tests both before and after training. The training consisted of an exercise resistance program and stretches for 12 weeks (three sessions of 80 each per week).

Results:

Twenty-two subjects completed the training. Reduced overall scores and WOMAC physical function indicated improved functional performance (p < 0.001) as well as increased gait speed (p < 0.001). The perception of pain decreased after training, as evidenced by the VAS, WOMAC pain domain, and SF-36 scores (p < 0.001). Quality of life improvements occurred primarily in the areas of pain, functional capacity, and SF-36 physical aspects. No change in body mass index was noted (p = 0.93).

Conclusion:

Our results indicate that the combination of resistance training for the quadriceps, gluteus, and abdominal muscles could be a viable alternative to improving functionality and quality of life in patients with knee OA. However, more studies are necessary to confirm our findings.

Keywords:
Osteoarthritis; Pain; Quality of Life; Resistance Training.

Resumo

Introdução:

A osteoartrite (OA) é a forma mais comum de artrite, considerada a principal causa de dor e incapacidade em idosos.

Objetivo:

Avaliar o impacto de um treinamento sistematizado de resistência muscular no desempenho funcional e na qualidade de vida em indivíduos com OA de joelho.

Métodos:

Voluntários com OA do joelho (n = 27, 46 - 76 anos) foram submetidos, antes e após o período de treinamento, à aplicação dos questionários de WOMAC e SF-36 e da Escala Visual Analógica (EVA), à avaliação musculoesquelética, teste de 10 RM e teste de caminhada de dez metros. O treinamento realizado consistiu em um programa de resistência muscular e alongamentos, por 12 semanas (3 sessões de 80' por semana).

Resultados:

22 indivíduos concluíram o treinamento. As reduções nos escores globais e de função física do WOMAC indicam melhoria no desempenho funcional (p < 0,001), assim como o aumento da velocidade da marcha (p < 0,001). A percepção da dor diminuiu após o treinamento, como demonstram os resultados da VAS e dos domínios dor do WOMAC e SF-36 (p < 0,001). A melhoria da qualidade de vida ocorreu principalmente por modificações nos domínios de dor, capacidade funcional e aspectos físicos do SF-36. Não houve alteração no IMC (p = 0,93).

Conclusão

Os resultados indicam que a combinação de exercícios de resistência dos músculos quadríceps, glúteos e abdômen pode ser uma estratégia viável para melhorar a funcionalidade e a qualidade de vida de pacientes com OA de joelho. No entanto, mais estudos são necessários para investigar a questão.

Palavras-chave:
Osteoartrite; Dor; Qualidade de Vida; Treinamento de Resistência.

Introduction

Osteoarthritis (OA), the most common form of arthritis, is characterized by chronic joint degeneration 1. Its etiology is multifactorial, and a complex interaction of local and systemic factors lead to its development 2. OA is considered the main cause of pain and disability in the elderly and is a major cause of reduced life expectancy due to disability 3^,4. OA will continue to become increasingly prevalent as the global population ages 5^,6. The formulation of guidelines for managing the disease that aim to improve patient functional performance and quality of life is needed 7.

The knee joint is more often affected in OA, particularly in women 6. Changes in muscle function are commonly see in patients with knee OA and is considered as both cause and consequence of the disease. The lower limb muscles absorb load and promote dynamic stability of the knee joint, functions that are impaired in OA because of changes in muscle strength and flexibility 8^,9. Muscle weakness is considered the best predictor of disability in OA, as altered concentric and eccentric quadriceps strength is seen in patients with OA, and is considered to have an important role in disease onset and progression 9^,10. The length-tension relationship of the hip, thigh, and abdomen can also influence OA, as modification of the static and dynamic alignment of the knee and hip exposes the articular cartilage of the knee to increased focal loads 11^,12.

OA-related pain directly affects one's ability to execute functional activities, requiring development strategies, including the inclination of the trunk to the member in support in cases of misalignment in geno varum and can lead to weakness of the abductor muscles, which favors OA progression 12^,13^,14. In addition, knee or hip pain can directly contribute to the progression of sarcopenia and increased risk of falls in older women 15.

Muscular function deficiency is a modifiable state and considered a potential therapeutic target for patients with OA 10. Muscular endurance training has been explored as an intervention to prevent or delay OA onset 10^,16. Considering the lower limb as an integrated unit, the use of exercises for developing strength of the quadriceps, hamstrings, abdominals, and gluteus medius and maximus can lead to normal biomechanical restoration of the lower limb and promote OA symptom control. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of systematic muscle strength training on the functional performance and quality of life of patients with knee OA.

Methods

This observational (uncontrolled) study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the Pontifical Catholic University of Minas Gerais (CAAE - 0129.0.213.000-09). All volunteers provided signed consent.

The sample consisted of individuals with a clinical and radiological diagnosis of knee OA waiting per attendance in the city of Betim, Minas Gerais. Initially, telephonic screening and interviews were conducted. Inclusion criteria were a diagnosis of knee OA, ability to walk without the use of assistive devices, and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores compatible with the years of education 17. Exclusion criteria were present history of ligament injury and/or meniscal knee, history of cancer at any stage, heart disease that limited physical activity, and physical activity resulting in a fall and/or dizziness or fainting in the previous 2 months.

Both before and after the 12-week physical therapy, pain intensity assessment, physical evaluation, and walking speed measurement were performed and the questionnaires were administered.

Medical Outcomes Short-Form 36-item Health Survey (SF-36): The SF-36 is a multidimensional questionnaire consisting of 36 items divided into eight domains: physical function, role physical, bodily pain, general health, vitality, social function, role emotional, and mental health. It presents a final score of 0 - 100 points, with 0 corresponding to the worst and 100 to the best perceived quality of life 18.

Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC): The WOMAC is specific to the assessment of symptoms and physical function in patients with OA of the knee and hip 19. It consists of 24 questions: five regarding pain, two for stiffness, and 17 addressing difficulties performing physical functions. It uses a Likert scale with descriptors (none, mild, moderate, strong, and very strong) corresponding to an ordinal scale of 0 - 4. The higher the score, the worse the pain, stiffness, and functional limitation 20^,21.

Visual analog scale (VAS): The VAS assists with measuring pain intensity and is scored 0 - 10, where 0 means no pain and 10 is the worst possible pain 22. Scores of 1 - 2 represent mild pain, 3 - 7 indicate moderate pain, and 8-10 correspond to severe pain 23^,24.

Physical evaluation: Body weight in kilograms and height in meters were measured by a scale and a measuring tape (Tanita Corporation of American, Inc., Illinois, USA). The chest, midaxillary, triceps, subscapular, abdominal, suprailiac, and thigh skinfolds were measured with a caliper (The Caliper Body, Littleton, CO, USA), following the guidelines of the American College of Sports Medicine. The measurements were used to calculate body density (BD) by the formula }BD = 1.112 − 0.00043499 (sum of seven skinfolds) + 0.00000055 (sum of seven skinfolds)₂ (age){ for men and }BD = 1.097 − 0.00046971 (sum of seven skinfolds) + 0.00000056 (sum of seven skinfolds)₂ (age){ for women. From this measurement, body fat percentage was calculated using the formula % body fat = (457/BD − 414.2). Circumferences of the thigh (15 cm above the upper border of the patella) and abdomen (2 cm above the umbilicus) were measured. Joint range of motion (ROM) was assessed passively using a universal goniometer (CARCI, São Paulo, SP BR) following the guidelines of Norkin and White on measurement positioning that evaluate hip flexion and extension, knee flexion and extension, and dorsiflexion and plantar flexion 25.

Ten-repetition maximum (10-RM): The 10-RM test was used to calculate the initial training load; after 4 - 8 weeks, it was reapplied to adjust the training load. The 10-RM test was applied to the quadriceps, hamstring, gluteus maximus, and gluteus medius muscles. For training load calculation purposes, we adopted an equivalence of 80% of the 10-RM test in relation to maximum load and later predicted the maximum load to calculate the training load within the range established at each stage 26^,27.

Timed 10-meter test: The timed 10-m test was used to measure walking speed. The patient was instructed to walk at a comfortable speed and avoid the interference of acceleration and deceleration. The time was recorded within the central 10 m, while the initial and ending 2 m were discarded 28. The test was performed three times and the average was calculated.

Physical therapy protocol: The physical therapy protocol consisted of 12 weeks of resistance exercises and muscle stretches to promote muscle strength gains. The details of the exercise protocol are shown in Chart 1.

Statistical analysis: Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics, and variables were compared using SPSS version 15.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). Values of p < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. The Shapiro-Wilk test was used to analyze data normality, whereas Pearson or Spearman correlation coefficient of variability was used as appropriate to examine the distribution of parametric or nonparametric variables.

Results

A total of 22 individuals (18 women, 4 men) completed the training (81.5% adherence rate). Of the five patients who did not complete training, one could not afford transportation to the clinic, three had incompatible schedules, and one had kidney stones that prevented participation. The average participant age was 58.8 ± 6.4 years (range, 46 - 76 years) and the mean time since the knee OA diagnosis was 5.5 ± 3.4 years.

Most individuals were obese, with a mean body mass index (BMI) of 30.2 ± 5.8 kg/m₂ before and 29.9 ± 5.7 kg/m₂ after training (p = 0.93). The mean body fat percentage was 38.2% ± 6.3% before training and 38.4% ± 6.1% after training (p = 0.36).

There was a statistically significant reduction in abdominal circumference (p = 0.001), with values of 103.3 ± 12.2 cm and 99.2 ± 12.7 cm before and after training, respectively. The circumference of the right thigh was 56.1 ± 6.3 cm before and 56.5 ± 6.9 cm after training (p = 0.26), whereas that of the left thigh was 55.7 ± 6.0 cm before and 56.3 ± 6.7 cm after training (p = 0.12).

The proposed training muscle strength improved as evidenced by the load progression. Furthermore, the training also resulted in increased muscle flexibility (Table 1).

Table 1
Mean and standard deviation of lower limb joint range of motion (degrees) in patients after training (n = 22)

• Note: *p > 0.05, 95% confidence interval was adopted.

The perception of pain decreases with training as shown by the VAS and WOMAC pain domain and the SF-36 scores (Table 2). The mean VAS score was 6.6 ± 2.1 before and 2.5 ± 2.2 after training, representing an average reduction of 62.6% in pain intensity (p < 0.001).

Our results also demonstrated a statistically significant decrease in stiffness and physical function domain WOMAC (Table 2). Furthermore, they showed an increase in usual walking speed with an average initial velocity of 0.93 ± 0.22 m/s and an ending velocity of 1.04 ± 0.20 m/s (p < 0.001).

The perception of quality of life mainly improved by modification of the physical parameters of the SF-36, which showed statistically significant variation in the areas of pain, functional capacity, and physical aspects (Table 2).

Table 2
Changes in functional performance and quality of life in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee

• Note: *p > 0.05, 95% confidence interval was adopted.

Discussion

The sample was composed of predominantly elderly women (81.8%), similar to another study 6. The management of symptoms in obese subjects with knee OA may be accomplished by different treatments, such as weight reduction, use of therapeutic exercises, acupuncture, ultrasonography, laser therapy, and medications, among others 29. Concurrent treatment is recommended, especially with the first two approaches 30. This study presents a proposal for therapy resistance exercises for the quadriceps, hamstring, abdominal, and gluteal muscles as well as average maximum and related muscle stretching. Corroborating the study of Smidt et al. 31, the proposed muscle resistance training increased strength and flexibility, even without significant changes in BMI or body fat percentage.

The level of training used in this protocol is according to a meta-analysis by Rhea et al. 32. These authors showed that the ideal training range for untrained subjects is 60% of one RM to maximize strength gains. The level also corresponds to resistance training and hypertrophy, corroborating the above by Lange, Vanwanseele, and Singh 33. These authors reported that the improvement in pain symptoms in knee OA is more pronounced when resistance training is used. In this study, the progression change of the gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, quadriceps, and hamstring muscles was statistically significant, leading strength gain in these muscles. These findings are reinforced by improvements in physical function domain of the WOMAC in 41.9% of patients. However, there was no statistically significant increase in thigh circumference, which can be explained by the training range adopted, as it preferentially stimulates type I muscle fibers, which do not change the cross-sectional area when stimulated 34.

Exercise is considered the best approach for pain control and functional improvement 35. The pain perception results by VAS, WOMAC, and SF-36 show that resistance training for the quadriceps, hamstring, abdominal, and gluteus medius and maximus muscles led to pain reduction. This corroborates the study by Baker et al. 36, who used a similar protocol and observed improvements in strength, pain, physical function and quality of life in patients with knee OA after strength training. The results of this study support this finding: There was a decrease in the values obtained in all WOMAC domains, reflecting improvement in functional performance as well as increased usual walking speed.

ROM is related to disability in knee OA, which limits the extent of movement and external hip rotation 37. The proposed exercise program improved muscle flexibility since it increased the ROM of the hip, knee, and ankle. Study participants had a mean 27% increase in passive ROM of hip extension. Such a gain is possibly associated with increased flexibility in the hip flexors as well as an increase in strength of the hip extensors, as inferred by the statistically significant increase in strength of the gluteus maximus and hamstring muscles. However, it is possible that the dynamic ROM was also positively affected. To stoop and pick up an object on the ground, an ROM of 117° of knee flexion is required; in this study, we observed an ROM of 112° before and 120° after training. The association between gain in ROM and reduced pain scores, stiffness, difficulty performing activities expressed by the WOMAC, and strength gain expressed by increased load indicates functional improvement with the proposed exercise protocol.

Considering that OA is a chronic disease, new or enhanced therapeutic measures are essential for promoting better quality of life in affected individuals. Physical function is one of the elements that contribute to an individual remaining independent and engaged in the community; therefore, it is an indicator of quality of life 38. In this study, functional performance improvement was followed by an improved perceived quality of life as evidenced by the statistically significant changes in the areas of pain perception, functional capacity, and physical aspects of the SF-36.

The proposed exercise program promoted muscle strength and ROM improvements as reflected by the improved performance of specific tasks requiring the same 39. The extent of adaptation to training depends, above all, on load handling, that is, the relationship between intensity and duration and frequency of exercise, as well as on adaptation, which is specific to the muscles recruited during the activity (40). The study established a dose-response relationship for the exercise; moreover, it is inexpensive, easy to apply in clinical practice, and effective in the management of knee OA.

Conclusion

The positive results of the exercises described here support the hypothesis that physical therapy instituted in knee OA should not focus on just one muscle group; rather, it should address the major muscles associated with the pathophysiology of the disease. Other studies with greater methodological rigor (control group, double-blind design), more participants, and an analysis of muscle strength by an isokinetic dynamometer and/or electromyography could be conducted to confirm or refute our hypothesis.

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Publication Dates

• Publication in this collection
  Jul-Sep 2016

History

• Received
  24 Sept 2014
• Accepted
  06 Nov 2015