Efficacy of Combining Whole-body Vibration Training and Closed Kinetic Chain Exercises in Early Knee Osteoarthritis: A Preliminary Study.

Objectives: We aimed to conduct a preliminary evaluation of the effectiveness of integrating whole-body vibration training (WBVT) into conventional closed kinetic chain (CKC) exercises as an intervention strategy for early knee osteoarthritis (KOA).

Methods: : This non-randomized comparative study conducted at an orthopedic clinic involved 53 patients (with Kellgren-Lawrence grades 1-2); 37 patients received only physical therapy (CKC group), and 16 patients received both physical therapy and WBVT (WBVT group). The primary outcome was the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) subscale score for pain, and the secondary outcomes were the WOMAC subscale score for physical function and muscle-strength assessments [isometric knee extension strength and the 30-second chair-stand test (CS-30) score]. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to adjust for bias between the control and intervention groups.

Results: : After PSM adjustment, 13 patients were selected from each group. The WBVT group showed a significant improvement in the WOMAC pain score (d=1.16, P=0.007) and a significant increase in the CS-30 score (d=0.81, P=0.049). However, for the WOMAC physical function score, the between-group difference remained statistically insignificant (d=0.59, P=0.146).

Conclusions: : WBVT may be effective in reducing the pain of early KOA. WBVT is a non-invasive and convenient method, underscoring its potential as a novel therapeutic option.