Efficacy of Exercise in the Sitting Position Compared with Exercise in the Standing Position in Obese Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis

Background: Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative condition that causes pain, swelling, and stiffness, affecting a person’s ability to move freely. Non-weight-bearing therapeutic exercise programs provide better pain reduction and improve joint function compared with conventional exercise programs. This study compared the effectiveness of therapeutic exercises in sitting versus standing positions in reducing pain, improving knee function, and enhancing quality of life in obese patients with OA. Methods: Fifty-four obese women aged 50–80 years were randomly assigned to one of two exercise program groups, either sitting or standing. Members of each group participated in a 12-week intervention consisting of aerobics, hip stretching and strengthening, and balance exercises. Sessions lasted 45 minutes, three times per week, increasing by 30 minutes every four weeks. Pain was assessed using the Numerical Rating Scale, knee function was measured with the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, and quality of life was assessed with the 12-Item Short Form Survey. Measurements were taken at baseline and every four weeks during the intervention. Results: When compared with the standing position group, the sitting position group showed significantly less pain and better knee function as determined by NRS and KOOS, as well as better physical quality of life (p<0.05). In contrast, the standing position group had a better mental quality of life. Conclusion: Therapeutic exercises in a sitting position are more effective in reducing pain, improving knee function, and enhancing physical quality of life in OA. However, standing exercises contribute more to mental well-being.