Long-term effectiveness of exercise therapy in patients with osteoarthritis of the hip or knee

Objective: To determine the long-term effectiveness (>6 months after treatment) of exercise therapy on pain, physical function and patient global assessment of effectiveness in patients with osteoarthritis (OA) of the hip and/or knee.

Methods: An extensive literature search in PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, SCISEARCH, PEDro and the Cochrane Controlled Trial Register was carried out. Both randomized clinical trials and controlled clinical trials on the long-term effectiveness of exercise therapy were included. The follow-up assessments were at least 6 months after the treatment was ended. Methodological quality was independently assessed by two reviewers. Effect estimates were calculated and a best evidence synthesis was performed on basis of design, methodological quality, and statistical significance of findings.

Conclusion: The positive post-treatment results of exercise therapy on pain and physical function in patients with OA of the hip and/or knee do not sustain at the long-term. Long-term beneficial effectiveness was only found for patient global assessment of effectiveness. However, additional booster sessions after the treatment period positively influence maintenance of beneficial post-treatment effects on pain and physical function at the long-term.