Exercise Program for Veterans with Knee Osteoarthritis and Back Pain
Author Information
Author(s): Burrows Brett, Woolson Sandra, Coffman Cynthia, Allen Kelli
Primary Institution: Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, United States
Hypothesis
Does a stepped exercise program improve outcomes for veterans with knee osteoarthritis and co-occurring back pain compared to arthritis education?
Conclusion
The STEP-KOA intervention significantly reduced pain and function scores in veterans with knee osteoarthritis and co-occurring back pain compared to arthritis education alone.
Supporting Evidence
- 345 veterans with knee osteoarthritis participated in the study.
- 72.4% of participants reported having co-occurring back pain.
- Participants with back pain showed a significant reduction in WOMAC scores after the exercise program.
Takeaway
Veterans with knee pain and back pain can feel better by doing a special exercise program instead of just learning about arthritis.
Methodology
Participants were randomized to either a stepped exercise program or an arthritis education control group, with outcomes measured using WOMAC scores at 9 months.
Participant Demographics
Veterans with knee osteoarthritis, with 72.4% reporting co-occurring back pain.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Confidence Interval
95% CI -15.5, -4.7
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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