Quadriceps Exercises Reduce Pain, Disability in Osteoarthritis

For Release at 8:30 a.m., Monday, Nov. 10

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Quadriceps Exercises Reduce Pain, Disability in Osteoarthritis

Simple exercise of the quadriceps muscle can reduce knee pain and disability associated with osteoarthritis, according to research presented at the American College of Rheumatology National Scientific Meeting Nov. 9-12 in Washington, D.C.

Osteoarthritis is the deterioration of cartilage that cushions bones in the joint. It is the most common form of arthritis, affecting about 16 million people in the United States.

The study, led by Sheila O'Reilly, BM, BS, DM, of the Rheumatology Unit at City Hospital in Nottingham, England, followed 192 men and women with knee pain. Some were enrolled in a program consisting of isometric and isotonic exercises of the quadriceps, or thigh, using a resistance band similar to a large rubber band. People in the study were able to exercise at home. Those not enrolled in the exercise program served as the control group.

Those in the exercise program had significant decreases in pain (22.5 percent vs. 6.2 percent in the control group) and improvements in physical function (17.4 percent vs. no change in the control group). The strength of the quadriceps muscle increased 5 percent in the exercising group and decreased 5 percent in the control group.

"It has long been thought that strengthening muscles around an arthritic joint could support the joint and reduce pain," Dr. O'Reilly said. "This study shows that the effects of exercise are significant, but it raises questions about how exercise works to reduce pain.

"Despite modest changes in strength, these exercises make a difference in pain and disability," Dr. O'Reilly said. "We can provide the equipment and teach someone to do these exercises with minimal cost and minimal disruption to the person's life."

The paper will be presented on Monday, Nov. 10, at a news conference co-sponsored by the American College of Rheumatology and the University of Missouri-Columbia Arthritis Rehabilitation Research and Training Center (MARRTC). MARRTC is funded by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research within the U.S. Department of Education.

The American College of Rheumatology is the professional organization for rheumatologists and health professionals who share a dedication to healing, preventing disability and curing arthritis and related rheumatic and musculoskeletal disorders.

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