Effects of low impact elliptical training on knee osteoarthritis outcomes and knee joint space

Background: Different physical therapy treatment strategies are used to decrease the symptoms and reduce the severity of knee Osteoarthritis (OA). Low-impact elliptical training is like mobilizations, which increase nourishment and contribute to increased joint space. Objective: To determine the effects of low-impact elliptical training on knee osteoarthritis (OA) outcomes and knee joint space. Methods: Data for the randomized controlled trial (NCT05977374) was collected from 28 participants through a non-probability convenience sampling technique and randomized into group A: which received low-impact elliptical training along with conventional therapy, and group B: which received traditional physical therapy for 12 weeks. The outcomes were checked through a knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) pre and post-treatment at the 6th and 12th week and knee space was measured by X-rays pre and post-treatment at the 12th week only. Results: 51.92±9.106 years was the mean age of group A study participants, and 50.29±5.483 years for group B. Within-group analysis, all domains of the KOOS for the low-impact elliptical training group showed significant improvement (p≤0.005). Between-group analyses, all the domains of the KOOS showed a non-significant difference with p≥0.05. In the between-group analysis of the knee joint width of the medial and lateral spaces in pre- and post-observation, there was no significant difference noted, but within the group, significant improvement (p=0.007) was observed in the medial space for the LIET group only Conclusions: Elliptical training can be used to intervene in individuals with grade 1 and 2 knee osteoarthritis compared to conventional physical therapy for the alleviation of pain, stiffness, ADLs, sports, and QOL. Moreover, it may improve knee joint space. elliptical training; knee OA; knee outcome; pain