Effectiveness of exercise for osteoarthritis of the knee: A review of the literature

Figure 3 Longitudinal percent changes in the maximum peak torque values of the knee extensor and flexor muscles over 5 years[32]. Data are expressed as mean ± SD. Data comparison between baseline and time point was performed by unpaired t-test. All of the patients (n = 26) were able to complete the exercise program at 3-6 mo. Twenty-four (92.3%) and 17 (65.3%) patients were able to complete the exercise program at 1-3 years and 5 years respectively after the start of the exercise regimen. The beneficial effect of the exercises on the maximum peak torque values was observed in 3-6 mo after the start of the exercise regimen and maintained up to 1-3 years. The effect of the exercises was greater in the knee extensor muscle than in the knee flexor muscle. However, the beneficial effect of the exercises tended to be lost 5 years after the start of the exercise regimen. NS: Not significant.