Comparative effects of 12-week resistance training on unstable and stable surfaces on muscle stiffness, muscle co-activation, and balance in older patients with knee osteoarthritis.
Ping Liu, Mohamad Shariff A Hamid, Yueyue Shi et al.
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In 30 seconds
This randomized controlled trial evaluated the effects of unstable resistance training (URT) versus stable resistance training (SRT) on muscle stiffness, co-activation, and balance in older adults with knee osteoarthritis. Among 46 participants, URT resulted in significantly greater reductions in quadriceps stiffness, hamstring stiffness, and quadriceps-hamstring co-activation, along with improved dynamic and static balance compared to SRT after 12 weeks of training.
Key findings
- URT led to significantly greater reductions in quadriceps stiffness compared to SRT (p < 0.05).
- URT showed superior improvements in quadriceps-hamstring co-activation (p < 0.001).
- Both groups experienced significant reductions in pain intensity (p < 0.001).
- URT resulted in better dynamic and static balance improvements (all p < 0.05).
Why it matters
The findings highlight the potential benefits of incorporating unstable surfaces into resistance training for older adults with knee osteoarthritis, which may enhance rehabilitation outcomes related to balance and muscle function.