Effects of a new physiotherapy approach on pain, joint stiffness and muscle strength parameters in obese adults with knee osteoarthritis: a randomized, controlled, blinded pilot study.

• Grant number: 25/24715-6
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: March 01, 2026
• End date: December 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy
• Principal Investigator: Alessandra Madia Mantovani Fabri
• Grantee: Fernanda Diekmann Mantovani
• Host Institution: Centro Universitário Antônio Eufrásio de Toledo de Presidente Prudente. Presidente Prudente , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Introduction: Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a chronic, progressive, heterogeneous, and slowly evolving condition. Furthermore, it is associated with impaired mobility, muscle strength, and quality of life in the population and can be aggravated by excess body weight. Therefore, the proper management of obese patients with KOA is a relevant challenge in musculoskeletal physiotherapy. In addition, there are gaps in studies that explore the effects of an integrative physiotherapy intervention in this population. Objective: To analyze and compare the effects of a new integrative physiotherapy approach associated with health education versus conventional treatment on pain, joint stiffness, and muscle strength parameters in obese adults with knee osteoarthritis. Method: This is a pilot randomized controlled blind study that will recruit volunteers of both sexes in the city of Presidente Prudente/SP, meeting specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. Pain assessment, lower limb functional testing, static and dynamic balance, quadriceps isometric strength, as well as a multidimensional questionnaire, the Western Ontario McMaster Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), used to assess pain, stiffness, and physical function, will be applied. The Control Group (CG) intervention will be approached according to conventional protocols, based exclusively on strengthening the quadriceps muscles. Subsequently, the Integrative Group (IG) intervention will follow the CG protocol mentioned above, as well as strengthening core and hip stabilizing muscles. Both will perform three sessions per week for six weeks of resistance training, being monitored by vital parameters and a scale of perceived exertion. Educational lectures and bi-weekly discussion groups will also be offered to the IG. To compare between groups at each time point, the Student's t-test for independent samples will be used, verifying the homogeneity of variances by Levene's test.Keywords: Obesity. Knee Osteoarthritis. Health Education. Physical Exercise. Physiotherapy.