Kinesitherapy for Knee Osteoarthritis Patients Physical and Psychological Health Based on "Traditional Chinese Exercise" Management Modalities: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Traditional Chinese exercise ("TCE" management modalities), including but not limited to Tai Chi, Baduanjin, and Yijinjing, has a good effect on improving the physical function of patients with knee osteoarthritis, but less attention has been paid to the impact on the psychological health of patients, and currently there is insufficient evidence to support it. We conducted this study to provide a systematic synthesis of best evidence regarding the physical and mental health of patients with knee osteoarthritis treated by traditional Chinese exercise. Literature on the effectiveness of traditional Chinese exercise (Tai Chi, Baduanjin, Yijinjing, Qigong, etc.) versus conventional therapy (muscle-strength training of the lower extremity and aerobic training, wellness education, quadriceps strengthening exercises, etc.) on Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC), visual analog scale (VAS), Short Form-36 (SF-36), Timed Up and Go Test (TUG), and Berg Balance Scale (BBS) in knee osteoarthritis (KOA) from Pubmed, Web of Science, Ovid Technologies, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Chinese Science and Technology Periodical Database (VIP), Wanfang Database, and SinoMed were collected from their inception to April 2022. Thirty-three studies with 2621 cases were included in this study. The study's results indicated that compared with conventional therapy, traditional Chinese exercise had more advantages on patients' WOMAC score, significantly reducing patients' overall WOMAC score (SMD = -0.99; 95% CI: -1.38, -0.60; p < 0.00001) and relieving pain (SMD = -0.76; 95% CI: -1.11, -0.40; p < 0.0001) in patients with KOA. It also has advantages over conventional therapy in improving mental component score (MCS) (SMD = 0.32; 95% CI: -0.00, 0.65; p = 0.05) and physical component score (PCS) (SMD = 0.34; 95% CI: 0.05, 0.62; p = 0.02). Compared with conventional therapy, traditional Chinese exercise can significantly reduce the effect on timed up and go test (TUG) score (SMD = -0.30; 95% CI: -0.50, -0.11; p = 0.002), beck depression inventory (DBI) score (SMD = -0.62; 95% CI: -1.03, -0.22; p = 0.002), and increase the impact on Berg Balance Scale (BBS) score (SMD = 0.60; 95% CI: 0.37, 0.83; p < 0.00001). The findings of this study indicated that traditional Chinese exercise improved body function and mental health in patients with knee osteoarthritis significantly. More high-quality clinical evidence-based data was needed to confirm the therapeutic effect of traditional Chinese exercise on the physical and mental health in KOA patients.

The effects on pain and quality of life of traditional Chinese manual therapy for knee osteoarthritis: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a common disease with the high occurrence in the world. The symptoms of pain and dysfunction decrease quality of life in KOA patients. Several studies reported traditional Chinese manual therapy showed beneficial effects in improving pain and dysfunction of patient with KOA, but most previous reviews did not focus on the effects on quality life of traditional Chinese manual therapy for KOA. However, better quality of life is important for patients suffering KOA. Therefore, the current review and meta-analysis will be conducted to assess the effects on clinical symptoms and quality of life of traditional Chinese manual therapy for KOA. METHODS: Eight electronic databases including PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Data, and Chinese Scientific Journal Database will be searched from the beginning to December 2021. Two reviewers will independently select included studies and extract data. Heterogeneity will be evaluated by I2 statistic before the data synthesis. Subgroup analysis will be performed by duration of KOA, different types of traditional Chinese manual therapy, different outcomes, and different intervention time. The primary outcome is quality of life in KOA patients, and the secondary outcomes include pain and dysfunction due to KOA. Rev Man 5.3 software will be used for meta-analysis. RESULTS: The results of this review will be reported in a peer-reviewed journal. CONCLUSION: The results of this review will provide reliable evidence for the effects on quality of life and clinical symptoms of traditional Chinese manual therapy for KOA. INPLASY REGISTRATION NUMBER: INPLASY2021120043.

Efficacy of GCWB106 (Chrysanthemum zawadskii var. latilobum extract) in osteoarthritis of the knee: A 12-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

BACKGROUND: GreenCross Wellbeing Corporation (GCWB) 106 is a food item based on Chrysanthemum zawadskii var. latilobum extract. It has an inhibitory effect on joint inflammation. OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the efficacy and safety of GCWB106 for osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee joint. METHODS: Overall, 121 participants with mild OA were recruited and randomly divided into two groups. One group received GCWB106 for 12 weeks and the other group received placebo for 12 weeks. Outcomes were evaluated using the Korean-Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Index (K-WOMAC), visual analog scale, Korean Short Form Health Survey 36 score, and laboratory test results. RESULTS: After 12 weeks of study treatment, the GCWB106 group exhibited a significant improvement compared with the placebo group in overall K-WOMAC score (P = .042) and K-WOMAC physical function score (P = .015). The GCWB106 group showed significant improvement in the visual analog scale pain score (P < .001) compared with the placebo group after 6 weeks and 12 weeks; no adverse drug reactions or serious adverse events were reported in either group. CONCLUSION: GCWB106 can safely reduce pain and improve knee function with therapeutic effects in OA of the knee joint. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study, Level I.

Tai Chi exercise can ameliorate physical and mental health of patients with knee osteoarthritis: systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To systematically review the effects of Tai Chi exercise as a nonpharmacological therapeutic strategy on the physical and mental health in individuals with knee osteoarthritis. DATA SOURCES: A systematic literature retrieval has been conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, EMbase, CENTRAL, OVID, CINAHL, Physiotherapy Evidence Database, Chinese Biomedical Database and China National Knowledge Infrastructure up to June 2020 to identify the relevant randomised controlled trials (RCTs). METHODS: Two authors assessed independently the risk of bias using the Cochrane Collaboration's tool. Standardised mean difference (SMD) and 95% CI were calculated and data were combined using the fixed or random-effect model. The strength of evidence was rated with Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system. RESULTS: A total of 16 RCTs involving 986 patients with knee osteoarthritis met the established inclusion criteria. The strength of evidence for the main outcomes was low or moderate. The systematic review illustrated the efficacy of Tai Chi exercise in treating and managing knee osteoarthritis. Patients' outcomes practising Tai Chi exercise were improved significantly, including pain (SMD = ‒0.69, 95%CI: ‒0.95 to ‒0.44, P < 0.001), stiffness (SMD = ‒0.59, 95%CI: ‒0.91 to ‒0.27, P < 0.001), physical function (SMD = ‒0.92, 95%CI: -1.16 to ‒0.69, P < 0.001), dynamic balance (SMD = 0.69, 95%CI: 0.38 to 0.99, P < 0.001), physiological and psychological health (SF-36 PCS: SMD = 0.48, 95%CI: 0.28 to 0.68, P < 0.001; SF-36 MCS: SMD = 0.26, 95%CI: 0.06 to 0.45, P = 0.01). No adverse events associated with Tai Chi exercise were reported. CONCLUSION: Tai Chi exercise was beneficial for ameliorating physical and mental health of patients with knee osteoarthritis and should be available as an alternative non-pharmacological therapy in rehabilitation programmes.

Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy to Assess Central Pain Responses in a Nonpharmacologic Treatment Trial of Osteoarthritis.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a common source of pain in older adults. Although OA-induced pain can be relieved with analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs, the current opioid epidemic is fostering the exploration of nonpharmacologic strategies for pain mitigation. Amongs these, transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and mindfulness-based meditation (MBM) hold potential for pain-relief efficacy due to their neuromodulatory effects of the central nervous system, which is known to play a fundamental role in pain perception and processing. METHODS: In this double-blind study, we used functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to investigate the effects of tDCS combined with MBM on underlying pain processing mechanisms at the central nervous level in older adults with knee OA. Nineteen subjects were randomly assigned to two groups undergoing a 10-day active tDCS and MBM regimen and a sham tDCS and MBM regimen, respectively. RESULTS: Our results showed that the neuromodulatory intervention significantly relieved pain only in the group receiving active treatment. We also found that only the active treatment group showed a significant increase in oxyhemoglobin activation of the superior motor and somatosensory cortices colocated to the placement of the tDCS anodal electrode. To our knowledge, this is the first study in which the combined effect of tDCS and MBM is investigated using fNIRS. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, fNIRS can be effectively used to investigate neural mechanisms of pain at the cortical level in association with nonpharmacological, self-administered treatments.

Acupressure as an Adjunct to Pharmacological Treatment for Depression, Anxiety, and Stress in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis.

BACKGROUND: Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. Depression, anxiety, and stress are associated with knee osteoarthritis. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to check the effectiveness of acupressure therapy with pharmacological treatment on pain, depression, anxiety, and stress in patients with knee osteoarthritis and to assess the effect of pain improvement on psychological health. METHODS: Eligible 212 patients with knee osteoarthritis were divided into two groups (intervention and control group). The intervention group (n = 106) received acupressure therapy in combination with pharmacological treatment, whereas the control group (n = 106) continued pharmacological treatment only. Pain and psychological symptoms were measured using the visual analog scale and Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21. Pearson's correlation was used to check the effect of pain improvement on psychological health. RESULTS: Patients of both groups reported severe pain initially. On analyzing the results after completion of the study, it was found that patients in the intervention group scored better on the pain scale (p < 0.001) and DASS-21 (p ≤ 0.0001). However, it may be noted that reduction in the DASS-21 score was not found to be significant for the control group (p = 0.08). Pearson's correlation coefficients value ranged from 0.231 to 0.412 for DASS-21 (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: On analysis, it can be concluded that acupressure can be used as add-on therapy in combination with conventional treatment (pharmacological treatment), which may assist in pain reduction. The reduction in pain directly contributes to improvement in the physiological wellness among patients with knee osteoarthritis.

[Effect of acupuncture on emotional disorder in patients with chronic pain: a Meta-analysis].

OBJECTIVE: To systematically review the effect of acupuncture on emotional disorder in the patients with migraine and knee osteoarthritis and its effect time limit. METHODS: The randomized controlled trials of acupuncture for migraine or knee osteoarthritis were retrieved from the databases, starting from the time of establishment through to December, 2018, i.e. the Cochrane Library, PubMed, EMbase, CNKI, SinoMed, VIP and Wanfang. The bias risk assessment tool of Cochrane Review Manual 5.1.0 was adopted to evaluate the quality of trials in methodology. RevMan 5.3 software was used for the Meta-analysis. RESULTS: A total of 12 articles were included, with 2450 cases. Regarding the immediate effect, the score of the emotional function subscale of migraine-specific quality-of-life questionnaire (MSQ) in the acupuncture group was higher than the control group (6.38[2.78,9.98], I 2=25%). In view of the emotional function subscale of the short-form of health survey (SF-36/SF-12), and the scores of the mental function and negative mode scale in Spain's index of quality of life (PQLC), there were no significant differences in the scores between the acupuncture group and the control group. In 3 months of treatment, the score of the emotional function subscale of MSQ in the acupuncture group was higher than the control group (9.66 [3.06,16.25], I 2=44%). The difference in the score of the mental health subscale of SF-36 and SF-12 was not significant between the acupuncture group and the control group. In 3 to 6 months of treatment, as well as in over 6 months of treatment, the score of every scale was not different statistically between the acupuncture group and the control group. CONCLUSION: Acupuncture effectively maintains the healthy emotion in the patients with migraine and the effect is sustainable for 3 months after treatment. But the improvement of acupuncture is not remarkable in emotional disorder induced by knee osteoarthritis.

The Tai Chi training for middle-aged and elderly patients with knee osteoarthritis: A protocol for systematic review and meta analysis.

BACKGROUND: Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a disabling joint disease with an increasingly prevalence among the older individuals. Tai Chi, one of the ancient meditative movements, has been recognized to have clinical benefits for KOA. We aim to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Tai Chi for patients with KOA through this systematic review. METHODS: Five English databases (Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, EMBASE, AMED, and CINAHL), 4 Chinese databases (CBM, CNKI, CQVIP, and Wanfang), and 5 clinical trial registration databases (ClinicalTrials.gov, ANZCTR, EU-CTR, ChiCTR, and ICTRP) will be searched from establishment of the database until November 31, 2019. Grey literature will be searched in SIGLE, Grey Net, Microsoft Academic, Google Scholar, Open Aire, World Wide Science.org, and WorldCat. There will be no restrictions on language. The randomized controlled trials of Tai Chi training for patients with KOA will be included. The primary outcome will be assessed according to the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). Meta-analysis will be conducted with the use of RevMan 5.3. The specific process will refer to the Cochrane Handbook 5.1 for Systematic Review. RESULTS: High-quality synthesis of current evidence on the efficacy and safety of Tai Chi training for KOA will be provided in this study. CONCLUSION: This systematic review aims to present evidence for whether Tai Chi training is an effective intervention which can improve both physical condition and life quality in patients suffering KOA.

The short-term efficacy of mud therapy for knee osteoarthritis: A meta-analysis.

The objective of this review is to systematically evaluate the short-term efficacy of mud therapy in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis (KOA).Randomized controlled trials, in which treatment of KOA is mud therapy, were included by systematically searching the PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library databases.According to inclusion criteria and searching method, 11 articles, containing a total of 1106 patients, were included in the study. Our results showed significant differences in visual analog scale pain score and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (pain, stiffness, function). In addition, the heterogeneity of study included is lower (I < 25%).According to the results of this meta-analysis, mud therapy can effectively alleviate the pain and improve joint function for KOA.

The Role of Pain Catastrophizing and Depression in the Outcomes of Physical Therapy in a Prospective Osteoarthritis Cohort.

BACKGROUND: Physical modalities have been safely used for decades for pain relief and for reducing physical disability in the conservative treatment of knee osteoarthritis (OA). However, patients' response to treatment is highly variable, which may be related to certain patient-related factors such as pain catastrophizing and depression. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of pain catastrophizing and depression on physical therapy outcomes and to identify the baseline factors predictive of poor outcomes in patients with knee OA. STUDY DESIGN: This research used a prospective, cohort, observational study design. SETTING: The research took place in an outpatient physical therapy unit within a tertiary hospital in Ankara, Turkey. METHODS: Eighty-nine patients with knee OA underwent 10 sessions of physical therapy. At baseline, depression and pain catastrophizing were evaluated using the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) and the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS). The therapeutic efficacy of physical therapy was assessed based on the level of pain and disability using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). Changes in the VAS score and WOMAC were evaluated at 2 and 6 weeks following physical therapy. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify the predictors of poor outcomes. RESULTS: Patients with low pain-catastrophizing and low depression scores tended to demonstrate better improvement at weeks 2 and 6. The results of a multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the significant outcome predictor for both pain and function at week 6 was the baseline PCS score. The baseline depression score was not an independent predictor of a clinically poor outcome. LIMITATIONS: This study is limited owing to the combined use of several physical therapy modalities and short follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that the baseline PCS score is a predictive factor of poor response to physical therapy in patients with knee OA. Considering this factor before therapy and taking the necessary precautions may improve the outcomes of physical therapy. KEY WORDS: Catastrophization, central nervous system sensitization, depression, disability evaluation, knee osteoarthritis, pain, physical therapy modalities, transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation.

Global management of patients with knee osteoarthritis begins with quality of life assessment: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a prevalent form of chronic joint disease associated with functional restrictions and pain. Activity limitations negatively impact social connectedness and psychological well-being, reducing the quality of life (QoL) of patients. The purpose of this review is to summarize the existing information on QoL in KOA patients and share the reported individual factors, which may influence it. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review examining the literature up to JAN/2017 available at MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane, and PsycINFO using KOA and QOL related keywords. Inclusion criteria were QOL compared to at least one demographic factor (e.g., age, gender), lifestyle factor (e.g., functional independence), or comorbidity factor (e.g., diabetes, obesity) and a control group. Analytical methods were not considered as part of the original design. RESULTS: A total of 610 articles were reviewed, of which 62 met inclusion criteria. Instruments used to measure QoL included: SF-36, EQ-5D, KOOS, WHOQOL, HAS, AIMS, NHP and JKOM. All studies reported worse QoL in KOA patients when compared to a control group. When females were compared to males, females reported worse QOL. Obesity as well as lower level of physical activity were reported with lower QoL scores. Knee self-management programs delivered by healthcare professionals improved QoL in patients with KOA. Educational level and higher total mindfulness were reported to improve QoL whereas poverty, psychological distress, depression and lacking familial relationships reduce it. Surgical KOA interventions resulted in good to excellent outcomes generally; although, results varied by age, weight, and depression. CONCLUSION: KOA has a substantial impact on QoL. In KOA patients, QoL is also influenced by specific individual factors including gender, body weight, physical activity, mental health, and education. Importantly, education and management programs designed to support KOA patients report improved QoL. QoL data is a valuable tool providing health care professionals with a better comprehension of KOA disease to aid implementation of the most effective management plan.

The effect of mindfulness training prior to total joint arthroplasty on post-operative pain and physical function: A randomised controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) in improving pain and physical function following total joint arthroplasty (TJA). DESIGN: Two-group, parallel-group, randomised controlled trial, conducted between September 2012 and May 2017. SETTING: Single centre study conducted at a University-affiliated, tertiary hospital. INTERVENTION: People with arthritis scheduled for TJA, with a well-being score <40 (Short Form-12 Survey) were randomly allocated to a pre-surgery eight-week MBSR program or treatment as usual (TAU). OUTCOME MEASURES: Self-reported joint pain and function at 12 months post-surgery, assessed using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). Secondary outcomes were knee stiffness and global improvement (WOMAC); physical and psychological well-being (Veterans RAND 12-item Health Survey); self-efficacy (Arthritis Self-Efficacy Scale); and mindfulness (5-Factor Mindfulness Questionnaire). RESULTS: 127 participants were randomised; 65 to MBSR and 62 to TAU, of which 45 participants allocated to the intervention and 56 participants allocated to usual care proceeded to surgery and 100 (99%) completed primary outcome measures. Greater improvements in knee pain (mean difference, -10.3 points, 95% CI -19.0 to -1.6; P = 0.021) and function (mean difference, -10.2 points, 95% CI -19.2 to -1.3; P = 0.025) at 12 months post-surgery were observed in the MBSR group compared to the TAU group. A between group difference in global scores (-9.5 points, 95% CI -17.9 to -1.1; P = 0.027) was also observed. No other differences in secondary outcomes were observed. CONCLUSION: MBSR improves post-surgery pain and function in people with psychological distress undergoing TJA. Further research is required to examine potential barriers to broader implementation and uptake.

Relationship between self-efficacy and pain control in Iranian women with advanced knee osteoarthritis.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to determine the relationship between pain of osteoarthritis (OA) and body mass index (BMI), age, pain control strategy, self-efficacy for pain control, exercise, and functional activities in a cohort of Iranian women. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: In total, 150 women with advanced knee OA, candidates for arthroplasty in Tabriz, in the Northwest of Iran were enrolled into the study. A convenience sampling method was used, and data was collected using demographic form, short-form McGill pain questionnaire, pain self-efficacy questionnaire, self-efficacy for exercise, and functional activities scales. RESULTS: The present pain intensity of 74.7% of women was described as excruciating with mean (±SD) score 9.58 (±0.77) in the visual analogue scale. The majority of the women had a low self-efficacy for pain, exercise, and functional activities with means of 31.8, 17.28, and 57.63 respectively. There was a significant inverse relationship between sensory and affective components of pain and self-efficacy for pain control and functional activities (P < 0.001). The sensory and affective components of pain was related to age (P < 0.05), pain control self-efficacy (P < 0.01), and BMI (P < 0.05). A great majority of the women (79.33%) used complementary medicine (CM) for pain management. Those who used CM reported lower pain and higher self-efficacy (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The findings of this study suggest that life style modification and pain management education of women with OA and nurses on non-pharmacological interventions as well as integration of these into nursing care is essential.

Effect of Vitamin D Supplementation on Depressive Symptoms in Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the effect of vitamin D supplementation and maintaining sufficient serum vitamin D on depressive symptoms in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA) and vitamin D deficiency. DESIGN: A prespecified secondary analysis of a multicentre, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Participants were randomly assigned to receive oral vitamin D3 (50,000 IU, n = 209) or placebo (n = 204) monthly for 24 months. In addition, participants who completed the trial were classified into 2 groups according to their serum 25(OH)D levels at month 3 and 24 as follows: not consistently sufficient (serum 25(OH)D ≤ 50 nmol/L at month 3 and/or 24), and consistently sufficient (serum 25(OH)D > 50 nmol/L at both month 3 and 24). Multilevel mixed-effect models were used to compare differences of change in PHQ-9 scores between groups. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: This clinical trial was conducted in participants with symptomatic knee OA and vitamin D deficiency from June 2010 to December 2013 in Tasmania and Victoria, Australia. MEASURES: The primary outcome was the depressive symptoms change over 24 months, which was measured using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9, 0-27). RESULTS: Of 599 participants who were screened for eligibility, 413 participants were enrolled (mean age: 63.2 years; 50.3% female) and 340 participants (intervention n = 181, placebo n = 159, 82.3% retention rate) completed the study. The baseline prevalence of depression (PHQ-9 score ≥5) was 25.4%. Depressive symptoms improved more in the vitamin D supplementation group compared to the placebo group [ß: -0.66, 95% confidence interval (CI): -1.22 to -0.11, P for difference = .02] and in the participants who maintained vitamin D sufficiency compared to those who did not (ß: -0.73, 95% CI: -1.41 to -0.05, P for difference = .04) over 24 months. CONCLUSIONS/IMPLICATIONS: These findings suggest that vitamin D supplementation and maintaining adequate vitamin D levels over 24 months may be beneficial for depressive symptoms in patients with knee OA.

Effects of two different aquatic exercise trainings on cardiopulmonary endurance and emotional status in patients with knee osteoarthritis.

BACKGROUND: Aquatic exercises are often recommended for people with osteoarthritis (OA), however, there is a lack of evidence about the effects of these exercises. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of two different aquatic exercise trainings on cardiopulmonary endurance and emotional status in patients with knee osteoarthritis. METHODS: Eighty-nine patients who had been diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis were divided into three groups as two different aquatic exercise training groups (only lower extremity training vs. lower extremity + upper extremity and trunk exercises) or the control group. All groups have received the conventional therapy which consisted of hotpack, ultrasound, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), and home exercises. Six-minute walk test (6MWT) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HAD) were used for assessing cardiopulmonary endurance and emotional status, respectively. RESULTS: Following the treatment, all groups improved in terms of systolic blood pressure, walking distance and total HAD scores. Group 1 showed additional improvements in diastolic blood pressure, heart rate and perceived exertion, while Group 2 showed additional improvements only in perceived exertion. Greater changes before and after the treatment in diastolic blood pressure at rest and following 6MWT, perceived exertion following 6MWT, walking distance, HAD depression scores and HAD anxiety scores were observed in Group 1. CONCLUSIONS: Exercise therapy consisting of only lower extremity exercises in water might be more effective in improving exercise capacity and depression levels in comparison to upper extremity and trunk added exercises or conventional physical therapy.

Integrative effect of yoga practice in patients with knee arthritis: A PRISMA-compliant meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Benefits of yoga practice in patients with knee osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis remains controversial. This study performs a meta-analysis to quantify the efficiency of yoga exercise for patients pain reduction, functional recovery, and general wellbeing. METHODS: A computerized search of PubMed and Embase was performed to identify relevant studies. The outcome measures were pain, stiffness, and physical function. Two investigators identified eligible studies and extracted data independently. The quality of citations was measured using Jadad score. Standardized mean differences (SMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for pain, musculoskeletal impairment, quality of life, general wellbeing, and mental wellbeing. RESULTS: A total of 13 clinical trials involving 1557 patients with knee osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis were included in final meta-analysis with the average Jadad score 2.8. The SMD was -0.98 (95% CI -1.18, -0.78, P < .05) for pain, -1.83 (95% CI -2.09, -1.57, P < .05) for functional disability, was 0.80 (95% CI 0.59, 1.01, P < .05) for Short Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36) general health, 0.49 (95% CI 0.14, 0.82, P < .05) for SF-36 mental health, and HAQ was -0.55 (95% CI -0.83, -0.26, P < .05) for health associated questionnaire (HAQ). All the results favor yoga training group. CONCLUSIONS: Regular yoga training is helpful in reducing knee arthritic symptoms, promoting physical function, and general wellbeing in arthritic patients.

Enhancing treatment of osteoarthritis knee pain by boosting expectancy: A functional neuroimaging study.

Objectives: Expectation can significantly modulate pain and treatment effects. This study aims to investigate if boosting patients' expectancy can enhance the treatment of knee osteoarthritis (KOA), and its underlying brain mechanism. Methods: Seventy-four KOA patients were recruited and randomized to three groups: boosted acupuncture (with a manipulation to enhance expectation), standard acupuncture, or treatment as usual (TAU). Each patient underwent six treatments before being debriefed, and four additional treatments after being debriefed. The fMRI scans were applied during the first and sixth treatment sessions. Results: We found significantly decreased knee pain in the boosted acupuncture group compared to the standard acupuncture or TAU groups after both six and ten treatments. Resting state functional connectivity (rsFC) analyses using the nucleus accumbens (NAc) as the seed showed rsFC increases between the NAc and the medial prefrontal cortex (MPFC)/rostral anterior cingulate cortex (rACC) and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex in the boosted group as compared to the standard acupuncture group after multiple treatments. Expectancy scores after the first treatment were significantly associated with increased NAc-rACC/MPFC rsFC and decreased knee pain following treatment. Conclusions: Our study provides a novel method and mechanism for boosting the treatment of pain in patients with KOA. Our findings may shed light on enhancing outcomes of pharmacological and integrative medicines in clinical settings.

What interventions can improve quality of life or psychosocial factors of individuals with knee osteoarthritis? A systematic review with meta-analysis of primary outcomes from randomised controlled trials.

OBJECTIVE: To systematically review evidence of primary outcomes from randomised controlled trials (RCTs) examining the effect of treatment strategies on quality of life (QoL) or psychosocial factors in individuals with knee osteoarthritis (OA). DESIGN: Systematic review with meta-analysis. DATA SOURCES: Medline, Embase, SPORTDiscus, the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) and Web of Science were searched from inception to November 2017. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR SELECTING STUDIES: We included RCTs investigating the effect of conservative interventions on QoL or psychosocial factors in individuals with knee OA. Only RCTs considering these outcomes as primary were included. RESULTS: Pooled data supported the use of exercise therapy compared with controls for improving health-related and knee-related QoL. There was limited evidence that a combined treatment of yoga, transcutaneous electrical stimulation and ultrasound may be effective in improving QoL. Limited evidence supported the use of cognitive behavioural therapies (with or without being combined with exercise therapy) for improving psychosocial factors such as self-efficacy, depression and psychological distress. SUMMARY/CONCLUSION: Exercise therapy (with or without being combined with other interventions) seems to be effective in improving health-related and knee-related QoL or psychosocial factors of individuals with knee OA. In addition, evidence supports the use of cognitive behavioural therapies (with or without exercise therapy) for improving psychosocial factors such as self-efficacy, depression and psychological distress in individuals with knee OA. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42016047602.

The learning process of gait retraining using real-time feedback in patients with medial knee osteoarthritis.

The objective of this study was to investigate the learning process of knee osteoarthritis (KOA) patients learning to change their foot progression angle (FPA) over a six-week toe-in gait training program. Sixteen patients with medial KOA completed a six-week toe-in gait training program with real-time biofeedback. Patients walked on an instrumented treadmill while receiving real-time feedback on their foot progression angle (FPA) with reference to a target angle. The FPA difference (difference between target and actual FPA) was analyzed during i) natural walking, ii) walking with feedback, iii) walking without feedback and iv) walking with a dual-task at the start and end of the training program. Self-reported difficulty and abnormality and time spent walking and training were also analyzed. The FPA difference during natural walking was significantly decreased from median 6.9 to median 3.6° i.e. by 3.3° in week six (p < 0.001); adding feedback reduced FPA difference to almost zero. However the dual-task condition increased the FPA difference at week one compared to the feedback condition (median difference: 1.8°, p = 0.022), but after training this effect was minimized (median difference: 0.6°, p = 0.167). Self-reported abnormality and difficulty decreased from median 5 to 3 and from median 6 to 3 on the NRS respectively (p < 0.05). Patients with medial KOA could reduce the FPA difference during natural walking after the gait retraining program, with some evidence of a reduction in the cognitive demand needed to achieve this. Automation of adaptions might need support from more permanent feedback using wearable technologies.

Effects of laying on of hands with and without a spiritual context on pain and functionality of older women with knee osteoarthritis: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Laying on of hands (LooH) is a culturally-accepted therapy in several traditions. In Brazil, "Spiritism" (third-largest religious tradition in number of followers) uses LooH with the name of "Spiritist Passe" (SP). However, there are few studies assessing SP's role in medical outcomes. The present study aims to investigate the effects of LooH, with and without a spiritual context, on pain, joint stiffness, and functional capacity of older women (≥60 years old) with knee osteoarthritis (KOA). METHODS/DESIGN: In this triple-blind, prospective randomized controlled trial, older women with KOA are assigned to three groups: LooH with a spiritual context group, LooH group without a spiritual context, and a control group receiving no intervention. Patients are assessed by a blinded researcher at baseline, 8 weeks, and 16 weeks. Pain, joint stiffness, and functional capacity are assessed using Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index. Other measures such as anxiety, depression, gait speed, and quality of life will also be assessed. To detect differences between groups, a post-intervention comparison between the three groups and a mean change (post-pre) comparison among the three groups will be done using analysis of variance. All statistical analyses will be performed using an intention-to-treat approach and a per-protocol analysis. DISCUSSION: A pragmatic design using SP, LooH without spiritual context, and no LooH may provide further scientific evidence on SP's feasibility and efficacy for KOA patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT02917356.