Isokinetic training for knee arthritis: lower pain scores, uncertain function gains
A pooled analysis found lower pain scores and greater knee-flexor strength, while estimates for knee function and knee-extensor strength remained uncertain.
Based on the published abstract. The full paper may contain additional methods, results and limitations.
The 30-second takeaway
Isokinetic training was associated with lower pain scores and increased knee-flexor peak torque in the pooled trials. However, estimates for a knee-function score and knee-extensor peak torque included no difference. The abstract's broad conclusion about improved function is therefore stronger than the clearly supported results described for the named function measure.
Results varied markedly across trials, and certainty ranged from moderate to very low. The abstract also reports an additional estimate without naming its outcome, so that result cannot be interpreted reliably.
What researchers found
Pain measured by VAS score
Isokinetic training versus other treatments; follow-up timing and scale range were not reported. Evidence for the pooled pain result was rated moderate certainty.
Strength and function differ
A gain in knee-flexor peak torque describes a muscle-performance result. It does not automatically establish better daily function, especially when the reported confidence interval for the named knee-function score also includes no effect.
Reading the unclear results
The estimates for the Lysholm function score and knee-extensor peak torque were compatible with no difference between treatments. Calling them trends does not resolve the statistical uncertainty or establish a benefit.
The original publication
Effectiveness of Isokinetic Muscle Strength Training on Knee Osteoarthritis Patients: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis.
Chang BY, Chen L, Xu HC et al.
J Pain Res · 2025
- PubMed ID
- 41487373
- Record checked
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