Effects of proprioceptive exercise for knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background and objectiveDespite the extensive utilization of proprioceptive exercise in the management of knee osteoarthritis (KOA), the therapeutic efficacy of this approach remains inconclusive. The present study sought to systematically evaluate the effects of proprioceptive exercise on symptoms...

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Main Authors: Yaoyu Lin, Debiao Yu, Xiaoting Chen, Peng Chen, Nan Chen, Bin Shao, Qiuxiang Lin, Fuchun Wu
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Frontiers Media S.A. 2025-06-01
Series:Frontiers in Rehabilitation Sciences
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Online Access:https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fresc.2025.1596966/full
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author Yaoyu Lin
Debiao Yu
Debiao Yu
Debiao Yu
Xiaoting Chen
Peng Chen
Nan Chen
Bin Shao
Bin Shao
Bin Shao
Bin Shao
Qiuxiang Lin
Qiuxiang Lin
Fuchun Wu
Fuchun Wu
Fuchun Wu
Fuchun Wu
author_facet Yaoyu Lin
Debiao Yu
Debiao Yu
Debiao Yu
Xiaoting Chen
Peng Chen
Nan Chen
Bin Shao
Bin Shao
Bin Shao
Bin Shao
Qiuxiang Lin
Qiuxiang Lin
Fuchun Wu
Fuchun Wu
Fuchun Wu
Fuchun Wu
author_sort Yaoyu Lin
collection DOAJ
description Background and objectiveDespite the extensive utilization of proprioceptive exercise in the management of knee osteoarthritis (KOA), the therapeutic efficacy of this approach remains inconclusive. The present study sought to systematically evaluate the effects of proprioceptive exercise on symptoms and functional outcomes in patients with KOA, with a particular focus on balance performance.MethodsFollowing PRISMA guidelines, a comprehensive search was conducted across six electronic databases from the establishment of the database to January 21, 2025. The inclusion criteria were randomized controlled trials investigating proprioceptive exercise interventions for KOA. The primary outcome measures encompassed balance function assessment (Timed Up and Go test), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) total score and its pain, stiffness, and function subscales, and pain intensity (Numerical Rating Scale and Visual Analog Scale). Subgroup analyses were stratified by intervention duration (≤8 weeks vs. >8 weeks).ResultsA comprehensive analysis of 22 randomized controlled trials revealed that proprioceptive exercise significantly improved performance of the Timed Up and Go test [MD = 1.53, 95% CI (1.09, 1.97), I2 = 0%, P < 0.00001]. Additionally, a significant improvement in WOMAC-total scores was observed [MD = 3.37, 95% CI (1.58, 5.16), I2 = 44%, P = 0.0002]. However, individual WOMAC subscales for pain (P = 0.11, I2 = 85%), stiffness (P = 0.97, I2 = 0%), and function (P = 0.16, I2 = 86%) showed no significant improvements. For pain assessment, Numerical Rating Scale scores showed a significant improvement [MD = 0.85, 95% CI (0.56, 1.15), I2 = 46%, P < 0.00001]. Notably, Visual Analog Scale scores exhibited a significant reduction, but only in the short-term intervention subgroup (≤8 weeks) [MD = 0.27, 95% CI (0.11, 0.42), I2 = 0%, P = 0.0008], whereas longer interventions (>8 weeks) showed no significant benefit [MD = −0.49, 95% CI (−1.10, 0.11), I2 = 0%, P = 0.11].ConclusionBased on low-certainty evidence, proprioceptive exercise has been demonstrated to be efficacious in improving balance function and overall clinical status in patients with KOA. Optimal benefits have been observed during short-term intervention periods.
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spelling doaj-art-8ba65cc3b3144801b3173b7d752e89cf2025-08-20T03:29:34ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Rehabilitation Sciences2673-68612025-06-01610.3389/fresc.2025.15969661596966Effects of proprioceptive exercise for knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysisYaoyu Lin0Debiao Yu1Debiao Yu2Debiao Yu3Xiaoting Chen4Peng Chen5Nan Chen6Bin Shao7Bin Shao8Bin Shao9Bin Shao10Qiuxiang Lin11Qiuxiang Lin12Fuchun Wu13Fuchun Wu14Fuchun Wu15Fuchun Wu16College of Rehabilitation Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, ChinaProvincial Clinical Medical College, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, ChinaRehabilitation Medicine Center, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou, ChinaRehabilitation Medicine Center, Fuzhou University Affiliated Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou, ChinaCollege of Rehabilitation Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, ChinaCollege of Acupuncture and Tuina, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, ChinaCollege of Rehabilitation Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, ChinaProvincial Clinical Medical College, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, ChinaRehabilitation Medicine Center, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou, ChinaRehabilitation Medicine Center, Fuzhou University Affiliated Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou, ChinaCollege of Acupuncture and Tuina, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, ChinaCollege of Rehabilitation Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, ChinaDepartment of Rehabilitation Medicine, Quanzhou First Hospital Affiliated to Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, ChinaCollege of Rehabilitation Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, ChinaProvincial Clinical Medical College, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, ChinaRehabilitation Medicine Center, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou, ChinaRehabilitation Medicine Center, Fuzhou University Affiliated Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou, ChinaBackground and objectiveDespite the extensive utilization of proprioceptive exercise in the management of knee osteoarthritis (KOA), the therapeutic efficacy of this approach remains inconclusive. The present study sought to systematically evaluate the effects of proprioceptive exercise on symptoms and functional outcomes in patients with KOA, with a particular focus on balance performance.MethodsFollowing PRISMA guidelines, a comprehensive search was conducted across six electronic databases from the establishment of the database to January 21, 2025. The inclusion criteria were randomized controlled trials investigating proprioceptive exercise interventions for KOA. The primary outcome measures encompassed balance function assessment (Timed Up and Go test), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) total score and its pain, stiffness, and function subscales, and pain intensity (Numerical Rating Scale and Visual Analog Scale). Subgroup analyses were stratified by intervention duration (≤8 weeks vs. >8 weeks).ResultsA comprehensive analysis of 22 randomized controlled trials revealed that proprioceptive exercise significantly improved performance of the Timed Up and Go test [MD = 1.53, 95% CI (1.09, 1.97), I2 = 0%, P < 0.00001]. Additionally, a significant improvement in WOMAC-total scores was observed [MD = 3.37, 95% CI (1.58, 5.16), I2 = 44%, P = 0.0002]. However, individual WOMAC subscales for pain (P = 0.11, I2 = 85%), stiffness (P = 0.97, I2 = 0%), and function (P = 0.16, I2 = 86%) showed no significant improvements. For pain assessment, Numerical Rating Scale scores showed a significant improvement [MD = 0.85, 95% CI (0.56, 1.15), I2 = 46%, P < 0.00001]. Notably, Visual Analog Scale scores exhibited a significant reduction, but only in the short-term intervention subgroup (≤8 weeks) [MD = 0.27, 95% CI (0.11, 0.42), I2 = 0%, P = 0.0008], whereas longer interventions (>8 weeks) showed no significant benefit [MD = −0.49, 95% CI (−1.10, 0.11), I2 = 0%, P = 0.11].ConclusionBased on low-certainty evidence, proprioceptive exercise has been demonstrated to be efficacious in improving balance function and overall clinical status in patients with KOA. Optimal benefits have been observed during short-term intervention periods.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fresc.2025.1596966/fullknee osteoarthritisproprioceptive exercisepainbalance functionrehabilitationmeta-analysis
spellingShingle Yaoyu Lin
Debiao Yu
Debiao Yu
Debiao Yu
Xiaoting Chen
Peng Chen
Nan Chen
Bin Shao
Bin Shao
Bin Shao
Bin Shao
Qiuxiang Lin
Qiuxiang Lin
Fuchun Wu
Fuchun Wu
Fuchun Wu
Fuchun Wu
Effects of proprioceptive exercise for knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Frontiers in Rehabilitation Sciences
knee osteoarthritis
proprioceptive exercise
pain
balance function
rehabilitation
meta-analysis
title Effects of proprioceptive exercise for knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis
title_full Effects of proprioceptive exercise for knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis
title_fullStr Effects of proprioceptive exercise for knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis
title_full_unstemmed Effects of proprioceptive exercise for knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis
title_short Effects of proprioceptive exercise for knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis
title_sort effects of proprioceptive exercise for knee osteoarthritis a systematic review and meta analysis
topic knee osteoarthritis
proprioceptive exercise
pain
balance function
rehabilitation
meta-analysis
url https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fresc.2025.1596966/full
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