Improving pain, function and quality of life in end-stage knee osteoarthritis: a patient-preference cohort study on whole-body vibration and exercise as bridging therapies for total knee replacement.

ABSTRACT:

Background

End-stage knee osteoarthritis (OA) patients awaiting total knee replacement (TKR) often experience prolonged wait times and worsening symptoms. Whole-body vibration (WBV) has shown potential benefits in OA management. This study compared the efficacy of supervised exercise therapy alone and combined with WBV in reducing pain and improving function in this population.

Methods

In this prospective cohort study, 555 patients with end-stage knee OA awaiting TKR were allocated to three groups: Exercise (n = 227), Exercise + WBV (n = 127), and Control (n = 201). The Exercise and Exercise + WBV groups underwent an 8-week intervention comprising strength and flexibility exercises. Primary outcomes were pain (Numeric Pain Rating Scale, NPRS) and function (Knee Injury and Os

SUBMITTER: Choi KY 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11892224 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature