Impact of education protocols and physiotherapeutic management in improving pain, symptoms, activities of daily living, and quality of life in patients with knee osteoarthritis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

In 30 seconds

This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the effectiveness of patient education (PE) combined with exercise in managing knee osteoarthritis. The analysis included eight randomized controlled trials. The findings indicated a significant reduction in pain, with a mean difference of -3.28 on the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), although no significant improvements were observed in activities of daily living or quality of life measures.

Key findings

• Significant reduction in pain (VAS) for the PE plus exercise group with a mean difference of -3.28.
• No significant improvement in the KOOS scale domains was observed.
• The study included eight randomized controlled trials.
• PE combined with exercise promotes self-management and self-efficacy.

Why it matters

Understanding the role of patient education in conjunction with exercise can help clinicians develop comprehensive management plans for knee osteoarthritis, potentially enhancing patient outcomes and self-management strategies.