The effects of progressive neuromuscular training on postural balance and functionality in elderly patients with knee osteoarthritis: a pilot study.

Only 11 participants were analysed, selected from patients who accepted an invitation, so the result may not apply to other older adults with knee osteoarthritis. There was no control group, so improvement cannot be separated from time, practice with testing, or receiving any rehabilitation. The authors state that a training or rehabilitation program itself may improve function and balance, and that learning over time may explain some changes. The sample included only people with unilateral knee osteoarthritis who could walk independently, so it says nothing about more severe bilateral disease or people who cannot walk without help. Follow-up was only 4 weeks after training, so long-term effects are unknown. With so few participants, a positive result may be due to chance. The study did not compare the progressive neuromuscular training against conventional intervention. The program combined strength, balance and proprioception exercises, so the contribution of any single component cannot be separated.

The authors declared no conflicts of interest.

Do not conclude that the training caused the improvements. The study had 11 participants and no control group, and the program combined strength, balance and proprioception exercises, so the contribution of any single component cannot be separated. The authors also state that any training or rehabilitation program and learning over time may improve function and balance.