The Effectiveness of Strength Training and Self-management in Reducing Symptoms for Individuals With Knee Osteoarthritis

This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of an intervention combining strength training and self-management education in improving symptoms, sleep quality, emotional well-being, and quality of life in patients with knee osteoarthritis. This study employs a quasi-experimental design. Participants diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis were recruited from the outpatient orthopedics and rehabilitation departments of a public regional teaching hospital in southern Taiwan. They were randomly assigned to either an experimental group (n = 50) or a control group (n = 50). Due to the nature of the intervention, blinding was not feasible, and participants were aware of their group assignment. The experimental group also participated in a home-based strength training program, while the control group received conventional osteoarthritis routine care. Data were collected at baseline, one month, and three months post-intervention during follow-up appointments.