Abstract—We investigated the role of an evidence-based integrated
group rehabilitation program on the treatment of patients
with knee osteoarthritis (KOA). This was a two-group, randomized
controlled, 8 wk trial with 41 patients with moderate to
very severe KOA. Patients were assigned to an intervention
group (IG) or control group (CG). After both groups had
received a self-management education program, IG participants
underwent a rehabilitation program, including educational
aspects about KOA followed by exercises. CG participants
received only general health orientation about KOA during this
period. The outcome measures were the Lequesne algofunctional
index; 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36); and
chair-stand, sit-and-reach, timed up-and-go, and 6-minute walk
tests. Analysis of covariance revealed significant postintervention
improvements of IG participants compared with CG participants
(p < 0.05) on Lequesne total score and pain and function
subdomains; SF-36 physical function, role physical, bodily
pain, general health, vitality, and role emotional subdomains;
and performance assessed by chair-stand, timed up-and-go, and
6-minute walk tests. Focusing on the primary outcome
(Lequesne total score), the mean +/– standard deviation after
8 wk was 5.50 +/– 2.98 for the IG and 7.87 +/– 3.48 for the CG
(p = 0.009). The corresponding effect size (partial eta squared
with 90% confidence interval) was 0.23 (0.04–0.42), indicating
a large effect. The presented rehabilitation program reduced
pain and