Effects of Circuit Training on Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

The most prevalent joint disease is osteoarthritis (OA), which affects an estimated 240 million individuals worldwide. Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is one of the top 10 causes of disability worldwide. The aim of this study is to systematically evaluate the effect of circuit training (CT) on patients with KOA. We searched through PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, Cochrane, and Google Scholar up to 12 February 2022. We used random-effects statistical analysis for continuous variables and reported the results as a standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95 percent confidence intervals (CI). Seven trials involving 346 patients were included. A significant improvement in the intervention group was observed for the parameter, pain level (SMD −0.96, 95% CI −1.77 to −0.14; p = 0.02; seven trials, 346 participants; high quality evidence), while no significant improvement was found in physical function (SMD 0.03, 95% CI −0.44–0.50; p = 0.89; five trials, 294 participants; high-quality evidence), quality of life (SMD −0.25, 95% CI −1.18–0.68; p = 0.60; three trials, 205 participants; high-quality evidence), the activity of daily living (SMD 0.81, 95% CI −0.85–2.48; p = 0.34; three trials, 223 participants; high-quality evidence), and knee stiffness (SMD −0.65, 95% CI −1.96–0.66; p = 0.33; two trials, 71 participants; high-quality evidence). The findings in this meta-analysis suggest that CT could effectively complement the conventional treatment of KOA, particularly in alleviating pain. However, comprehensive data on the guidelines for the CT approach would be needed to adequately examine the effects of CT on quality of life and biochemical markers in patients with KOA.

Home-based circuit training improves blood lipid profile, liver function, musculoskeletal fitness, and health-related quality of life in overweight/obese older adult patients with knee osteoarthritis and type 2 diabetes: a randomized controlled trial during the COVID-19 pandemic

“…Such an observation underlines the key role of exercise in lowering pain, increasing range of motion and flexibility as well as strengthening the knee joint muscles. In agreement with our study, a recent systematic review and metaanalysis incorporated seven trials with 346 patients diagnosed with KOA, revealing a significant reduction in the pain score following a CT program [107].…”

“…Contrastingly, another study failed to identify a notable difference in TUG performance [106]. Similarly, a recent systematic review and meta-analysis revealed the absence of significant improvements in functional performance based on 30CST and TUG scores [107]. This discrepancy may be ascribed to variations in participants' baseline fitness levels, inadequate intervention duration to provoke discernible changes, potential methodological constraints, or the necessity for more specific and targeted exercise interventions.…”

Effects of combined aerobic and resistance training on glycemic control, blood pressure, inflammation, cardiorespiratory fitness and quality of life in patients with type 2 diabetes and overweight/obesity: a systematic review and meta-analysis

“…Together, they contribute to improved glycemic control by reducing insulin resistance and enhancing glucose metabolism ( Yavari et al, 2012 ). Additionally, aerobic exercise enhances cardiac output, vascular function, and endothelial health, while resistance training improves arterial stiffness and regulation of blood pressure ( Al-Mhanna et al, 2022b ; Okamoto, Masuhara & Ikuta, 2013 ). CART leverages these benefits, resulting in enhanced cardiovascular fitness and heart health.…”

Psychophysiological Adaptations to Exercise Training in COVID-19 Patients: A Systematic Review

“…The assessment of the risk of bias was previously described [ 27 ]. In summary, we checked the risk of bias based on the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions (Figures 1 and 2 ) [ 28 ].…”