A walking program for people with severe knee osteoarthritis did not reduce pain but may have benefits for cardiovascular health: a phase II randomised controlled trial.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to evaluate the effect of a 12-week walking program on knee pain in patients with severe knee osteoarthritis, as well as its secondary effects on cardiovascular health, function, and quality of life.
Results Summary
The walking program did not reduce knee pain but showed cardiovascular benefits, including improved systolic blood pressure and walking speed. Adherent participants also had more daily steps, increased walking time, reduced waist circumference, but reported increased knee stiffness.
Population
Patients with severe knee osteoarthritis and increased cardiovascular risk.
Effective Dosage
70 minutes per week of at least moderate intensity.
Duration
12 weeks.
Interactions
None mentioned.
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
12-week walking program of 70 min/week of at least moderate intensity | no change | knee pain | participants with severe knee OA and increased cardiovascular risk | no significant change | showed no between-group difference | #1 |
12-week walking program of 70 min/week of at least moderate intensity | increase | healthy systolic blood pressure | participants with severe knee OA and increased cardiovascular risk | OR = 5.7, 95% CI 1.2-26.9 | had increased odds of achieving | #2 |
12-week walking program of 70 min/week of at least moderate intensity | increase | walking speed | participants with severe knee OA and increased cardiovascular risk | Mean Difference (MD) = 0.12 m/s, 95% CI 0.02-0.23 | had a faster | #3 |
12-week walking program of 70 min/week of at least moderate intensity | increase | daily steps | participants with severe knee OA and increased cardiovascular risk | MD = 1345 steps, 95% CI 365-2325 | had more | #4 |
12-week walking program of 70 min/week of at least moderate intensity | increase | time walking | participants with severe knee OA and increased cardiovascular risk | MD = 18 min/day, 95% CI 5-31 | had more | #5 |
12-week walking program of 70 min/week of at least moderate intensity | decrease | waist circumference | participants with severe knee OA and increased cardiovascular risk | MD = -5.3 cm, 95% CI -10.5 to -0.03 | had reduced | #6 |
12-week walking program of 70 min/week of at least moderate intensity | increase | knee stiffness | participants with severe knee OA and increased cardiovascular risk | MD = 0.9 units, 95% CI 0.07-1.8 | had increased | #7 |
OBJECTIVE: The primary aim was to evaluate the effect of a dosed walking program on knee pain for patients with severe knee osteoarthritis (OA). Secondary aims evaluated the effects on cardiovascular health, function and quality of life. DESIGN: Participants with severe knee OA and increased cardiovascular risk were randomly assigned to a 12-week walking program of 70 min/week of at least moderate intensity, or to usual care. The primary outcome was knee pain (0-10). Secondary outcomes were of cardiovascular risk including physical activity, blood pressure, blood lipid and glucose levels, body mass index and waist circumference; WOMAC Index scores; physical function; and quality of life. RESULTS: Forty-six participants (23 each group) were recruited. Sixteen participants (70%) adhered to the walking program. Intention to treat analysis showed no between-group difference in knee pain. The walking group had increased odds of achieving a healthy systolic blood pressure (OR = 5.7, 95% CI 1.2-26.9), and a faster walking speed (Mean Difference (MD) = 0.12 m/s, 95% CI 0.02-0.23). Per protocol analysis based on participant adherence showed the walking group had more daily steps (MD = 1345 steps, 95% CI 365-2325); more time walking (MD = 18 min/day, 95% CI 5-31); reduced waist circumference (MD = -5.3 cm, 95% CI -10.5 to -0.03); and increased knee stiffness (MD = 0.9 units, 95% CI 0.07-1.8). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with severe knee OA prescribed a 12-week walking program of 70 min/week may have had cardiovascular benefits without decreasing knee pain. Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12615000015549.