SynthesisJournal of orthopaedic surgery and research2025
Efficacy of aerobic exercises for knee osteoarthritis: a network meta analysis of randomized clinical trials.
Synthesis in Journal of orthopaedic surgery and research, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 4 papers, 1 of them a synthesis that pooled it.
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Who cites it
4 citing papers in PubMed, 1 synthesis or guideline pooled it.
- High-intensity interval training after stroke: a three-level random-effects meta-analysis with cluster-robust inference and exploratory dose-parameter signals.Frontiers in neurologyPooled it
- How Intense Is Effective? Exploring Aerobic Exercise Intensity for Knee Osteoarthritis Through a Bayesian NetworkMeta-Analysis.Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland) · 2026Review
- Experiences and perceptions of a 12-week combined exercise and dietary supplement program for individuals with knee osteoarthritis: a qualitative focus group study.BMC musculoskeletal disorders · 2026Article
- Tracking global quality of life trajectories in knee osteoarthritis: a population-based long-term analysis.Therapeutic advances in musculoskeletal disease · 2026Article
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Authors and funding
6 authors.
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Abstract
backgroundPrevious research has demonstrated the therapeutic potential of aerobic exercise in alleviating symptoms of knee osteoarthritis (KOA). Nevertheless, comparative evidence regarding the relative effectiveness of different exercise modalities remains inconclusive, and the optimal exercise protocol continues to be debated. To address this knowledge gap, we performed a systematic network meta-analysis to compare and rank the clinical efficacy of various aerobic exercise regimens for managing KOA.
methodsA systematic literature search was conducted across five electronic databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Embase, and Scopus) from database inception through June 2024. Eligible studies included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating aerobic exercise interventions for KOA management. Two investigators independently performed study selection using predefined inclusion criteria, with discrepancies resolved through consensus or third-party adjudication. Data extraction encompassed demographic characteristics, intervention protocols, and outcome measures. Methodological quality was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool 2.0. Statistical analyses were performed using Stata 17.0 (Network Meta-Analysis package) under a frequentist framework, with treatment effects estimated through surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) probabilities.
resultsThe network meta-analysis included 67 randomized controlled trials comprising 4,944 patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA), assessing 10 aerobic exercise interventions: walking (WK), weight-loss walking (LK), retro walking (RW), cycling (CY), aquatic training (AT), yoga (YG), Tai Chi (TC), Baduanjin (BD), Wuqinxi (WQ), and Pilates (PT). Surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) probability analyses yielded the following results: Pilates (PT) demonstrated the highest probability of being optimal for WOMAC pain score (SUCRA = 0.8%), WOMAC stiffness (SUCRA = 15.7%), physical function (SUCRA = 0.0%), and total WOMAC score (SUCRA = 7.8%). Tai Chi (TC) showed the highest likelihood of efficacy for Visual Analog Scale (VAS) outcomes (SUCRA = 17.4%), while weight-loss walking (LK) ranked first for Timed Up and Go (TUG) improvement (SUCRA = 27.1%). The comprehensive efficacy ranking was PT > LK > BD > YG > AT > WK > RW > TC > WQ > CY.
conclusionThis study demonstrates that Pilates appears to be the most effective aerobic exercise modality for managing knee osteoarthritis (KOA), particularly in enhancing overall functional outcomes. Tai Chi exhibited the greatest efficacy in reducing pain intensity, as quantified by the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Based on these findings, Pilates and Tai Chi should be prioritized as primary therapeutic interventions for the majority of KOA patients.
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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.