Muscle Isometric Contraction for the Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis

This study compares the effects of three different intensities of Muscle Isometric Contraction (MIC) on balance ability, proprioception, muscle strength, KOA symptoms, and inflammatory factors in synovial fluid among elderly individuals with Knee Osteoarthritis (KOA).

A total of 120 elderly individuals with Knee Osteoarthritis (KOA) will be recruited and randomly assigned into four groups using a digital randomization method: low-intensity group (n = 30), medium-intensity group (n = 30), high-intensity group (n = 30), and control group (n = 30). The elderly individuals in the low-, medium-, and high-intensity groups will receive five interventions per week targeting the quadriceps femoris muscle. For each intervention, the quadriceps will perform an isometric contraction and relaxation for 1 second each. The low-, medium-, and high-intensity groups will perform 10, 20, and 30 repetitions per set, respectively, of Muscle Isometric Contraction (MIC) (guided by a rhythmic timer), completing a total of 10 sets with a 30-second rest between sets. The entire intervention will last for 16 weeks. Researchers will follow up with participants weekly to complete exercise record forms, ensuring that all subjects maintain their original lifestyle and dietary habits. The study aims to compare the effects of three different intensities of MIC on balance ability, proprioception, muscle strength, KOA symptoms, and inflammatory factors in synovial fluid among elderly individuals with KOA.