A comparative study on the effects of aerobic walking and strength training programs on balance in patients with knee osteoarthritis

Knee osteoarthritis is one of the most prevalent musculoskeletal disorder which can contribute to decrease in daily life balance.This study is carried out to compare the effects of aerobic walking and strength training programs on improving balance in women with osteoarthritis.

Forty women with knee osteoarthritis were assigned randomly into two experimental (aerobic walking and strength training program) groups. Both groups exercised 3 days per week for 4 weeks. Static and dynamic overall stability index was evaluated three times by Biodex balance system and the average of each index was recorded.

Static balance score with open eye was significantly improved in the aerobic walking group (P=0.031) But this index did not change significantly in the strength training group. No significant difference discovered between two groups in term of other dynamic and static balance scores.

The results showed that aerobic training was effective on the static balance with the open eyes but these interventions had no significant effect on dynamic balance and static balance with closed eyes. Another study with a larger sample size is recommended.