One possible factor contributing to the
non-significant difference of the M-SEV score
between groups at the 8th and 12th week was related
to the inclusion criteria. All participants had a little
to moderate severity of knee symptom. As the
general information regarding osteoarthritis of the
knee and a booklet given to them included some
quadriceps exercise regimen, participants in the
control group might independently performed
exercise. Evidence studies showed that increasing
quadriceps muscle strength could decrease knee
pain and stiffness in people with osteoarthritis of
the knee.
Physical performance, as assessed by 6MWD,
knee extension peak torque, and ROM of knee
flexion, revealed a significant improvement in the
experimental group at the 12th week. Although the
experimental group increased an average of 40
meters 6MWD compared to an average 14 meters
in the control group, no statistical difference
between groups was demonstrated. The ES of
6MWD in this study was greater than a RCT49
providing a physical therapy program for 83
outpatients with osteoarthritis of the knee, especially
at the 8th week; however, it was lower than the other
two previous studies.7,52 Although stationary cycling
exercise in this study was different from those
previous studies, this type of exercise for at least 20
minutes also could improve cardiovascular fitness
and physical fitness. The lower ES in this study might
be affected by a smaller sample size.