| Objective:To investigate the therapeutic effects of muscle strength training for elderly patients with knee osteoarthritis.Methods:One hundred and thirty-eight patients with knee osteoarthritis were randomly divided into observation group and control group(n=69 each).The observation group was treated with muscle strength training, and control group with electroacupuncture.Before and after treatment, the motor function of their knee joints was evaluated according to Lysholm S knee scoring scale,quadriceps muscle strength was evaluated according to the maximum load capacity of knee extension,and postural stability was evaluated using a static balance function test.Results:After 8 weeks of treatment,Lysholm scores in observation group were significantly increased as compared with those before treatment（P<0.05）,except for the item assessing supporting.There were significant differences in the items assessing limp,inter-locking,instability,pain and stair activity in control group before and after treatment（P<0.05）.There were significant differences in the items assessing inter locking,instability,pain,swelling,stair activity and squatting between the two groups after treatment（P<0.05）.The maxi-inuill knee extension load was improved significantly in both groups（P<0.05）,and more significantly in observation group than in control group（P<0.05）.Static balance with the eyes both open and closed was also improved significantly in both groups（P<0.05）.The length,covered area,rectangle area and length/area of the sway traces were improved more significantly in observation group（P<0.05）.Conclusions:Muscle strength training can effectively improve knee function,quadrieeps muscle strength and postural stability in elderly patients with knee osteoarthritis. |
