Clinical efficacy on pain reduction was present , although not predictable after weight loss .
Meta-regression analysis indicated that physical disability of patients with knee OA and overweight diminished after a moderate weight reduction regime .
This review aims to assess by meta- analysis of r and omised controlled trials ( RCTs ) changes in pain and function when overweight patients with knee osteoarthritis ( OA ) achieve a weight loss .
Efficacy of physiotherapy management of knee joint osteoarthritis: a randomised, double blind, placebo controlled trial.
OBJECTIVE To determine whether a multimodal physiotherapy programme including taping , exercises , and massage is effective for knee osteoarthritis  , and if benefits can be maintained with self management . METHODS R and omised , double blind , placebo controlled trial ; 140 community volunteers with knee osteoarthritis participated and 119 completed the trial .  Physiotherapy and placebo interventions were applied by 10 physiotherapists in private practice s for 12 weeks . Physiotherapy included exercise , massage , taping , and mobilisation , followed by 12 weeks of self management . Placebo was sham ultrasound and light application of a non-therapeutic gel , followed by no treatment . Primary outcomes were pain measured by visual analogue scale and patient global change . Secondary measures included WOMAC , knee pain scale , SF-36 , assessment of quality of life index , quadriceps strength , and balance test . RESULTS Using an intention to treat analysis , physiotherapy and placebo groups showed similar pain reductions at 12 weeks : -2.2 cm ( 95 % CI , -2.6 to -1.7 ) and -2.0 cm ( -2.5 to -1.5 ) , respectively . At 24 weeks , pain remained reduced from baseline in both groups : -2.1 ( -2.6 to -1.6 ) and -1.6 ( -2.2 to -1.0 ) , respectively . Global improvement was reported by 70 % of physiotherapy participants ( 51/73 ) at 12 weeks and by 59 % ( 43/73 ) at 24 weeks . Similarly , global improvement was reported by 72 % of placebo participants ( 48/67 ) at 12 weeks and by 49 % ( 33/67 ) at 24 weeks ( all p>0.05 ) . CONCLUSIONS The physiotherapy programme tested in this trial was no more effective than regular contact with a therapist at reducing pain and disability
Clinical efficacy on pain reduction was present , although not predictable after weight loss .
Meta-regression analysis indicated that physical disability of patients with knee OA and overweight diminished after a moderate weight reduction regime .
This review aims to assess by meta- analysis of r and omised controlled trials ( RCTs ) changes in pain and function when overweight patients with knee osteoarthritis ( OA ) achieve a weight loss .