The Effect of Eight Weeks of Pilates and Balance-Strength Training for Pain Reduction, Enhancing Motor Function, and Quality of Life in Middle-aged Women with Knee Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a joint disease characterized by pain, joint swelling, muscle disorders, and functional disability associated with stability. This study aimed to investigate the effect of eight weeks of Pilates and combination exercises on pain management, improving motor function and quality of life in middle-aged women with knee osteoarthritis.

Using a purposive and accessible sampling method, 30 individuals were selected and randomly divided into three groups of 10 patients with Pilates training, combined exercises, and control group. Visual analog scale tests were used to measure pain and the KOOS questionnaire was used to measure motor function and quality of life. Then the training groups performed the exercises for 8 weeks and at the end of the eighth week, these tests were measured and repeated as the pre-test. During the eight weeks, the control group did not experience any of the training protocols (Pilates or combination exercises) and did their daily activities. Also, a dependent t-test was used to compare the means in two stages before and after the test, at the significant level of P ≤ 0.05.

A comparison of the combined group with the control group showed that there was a significant difference in pain and Pilates training on quality of life. In addition, both exercises had a significant difference in motor performance.

The results show that eight weeks of Pilates and combination exercises have a significant effect on pain, motor function, and quality of life in middle-aged women with osteoarthritis of the knee, but the effectiveness of combined exercises was better.