Pilates Improves Pain and Function in Women with Knee Osteoarthritis
Exercise is a key component of a treatment regimen for knee osteoarthritis. Research published in the Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies (April 2022) reported the effects of Pilates, a popular form of exercise, on women with knee osteoarthritis. Pilates exercises are designed to increase muscle strength, endurance and flexibility and improve posture and balance. The study included 41 women ages 60 to 70 with knee osteoarthritis who were divided into two groups. The control group received no special instruction. The intervention group attended 15 specially designed 60-minute Pilates sessions (twice a week), with exercises performed on a mat on the floor. Strengthening and endurance exercises focused on the gluteal (buttocks), quadriceps (front of the thigh) and core (abdomen, hips and spine) muscles. The researchers used questionnaires to assess the effects on pain, stiffness and function. Compared with the control group, the Pilates group had significantly improved functional capacity and decreased pain. They also had higher scores on general health status. Scores on joint stiffness were not significantly different between the two groups.
