The effect of dynamic versus isometric resistance training on pain and functioning among adults with osteoarthritis of the knee

Topp R, Woolley S, Hornyak J III, Khuder S, Kahaleh B. The effect of dynamic versus isometric resistance training on pain and functioning among adults with osteoarthritis of the knee. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2002;83:1187-95. Objective: To compare 16 weeks of isometric versus dynamic resistance training versus a control on knee pain and functioning among patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA). Design: Randomized clinical trial. Setting: Outpatient setting. Participants: A total of 102 volunteer subjects with OA of the knee randomized to isometric (n=32) and dynamic (n=35) resistance training groups or a control (n=35). Interventions: Strength exercises for the legs, 3 times weekly for 16 weeks. Dynamic group: exercises across a functional range of motion; isometric: exercises at discrete joint angles. Main Outcome Measures: The time to descend and ascend a flight of 27 stairs and to get down and up off of the floor. Knee pain was assessed immediately after each functional task. The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index was used to assess perceived pain, stiffness, and functional ability. Results: In the isometric group, time to perform all 4 functional tasks decreased (P