CONCLUSION strength training , Tai Chi and aerobics exercises  improved balance and falls risk in older individuals with knee OA , while water-based exercises and light treatment did not significantly improve balance outcomes .
Strength training , Tai Chi and aerobics exercises can therefore be recommended as falls prevention strategies for individuals with OA .
INTRODUCTION osteoarthritis ( OA ) of knee has been reported as a risk factor for falls and reduced  balance in the elderly .
This systematic review evaluated the effectiveness of physical therapies in improving balance and reducing falls risk among patients with knee OA .
Efficacy of home-based kinesthesia, balance & agility exercise training among persons with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis.
The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of a home-based kinesthesia , balance and agility ( KBA ) exercise program to improve symptoms among persons age ≥ 50 years with knee osteoarthritis ( OA ) . Forty-four persons were r and omly assigned to 8-weeks , 3 times per week KBA , resistance training ( RT ) , KBA + RT , or Control . KBA utilized walking agility exercises and single-leg static and dynamic balancing . RT used elastic resistance b and s for open chain lower extremity exercises . KBA + RT performed selected exercises from each technique . Control applied inert lotion daily . Outcomes included the OA specific WOMAC Index of Pain , Stiffness , and Physical Function ( PF ) , community activity level , exercise self-efficacy , self-report knee stability , and 15 m get up & go walk ( GUG ) . Thirty-three participants [ 70.7 ( SD 8.5 ) years ] completed the trial . Analysis of variance comparing baseline , mid-point , and follow-up measures revealed significant ( p < 0.05 ) improvements in WOMAC scores among KBA , RT , KBA + RT , and Control , with no differences between groups . However , Control WOMAC improvements peaked at mid-point , whereas improvement in the exercise conditions continued at 8-weeks . There were no significant changes in community activity level . Only Control improved exercise self-efficacy . Knee stability was improved in RT and Control . GUG improved in RT and KBA+RT . These results indicate that KBA , RT , or a combination of the two administered as home exercise programs are effective in improving symptoms and quality of life among persons with knee OA . Control results indicate a strong placebo effect in the short term . A combination of KBA and RT should be considered as part of the rehabilitation program , but KBA or RT alone may be appropriate for some patients . Studies with more statistical power are needed to confirm or refute these results . Patient presentation , preferences , costs , and convenience should be considered when choosing an exercise rehabilitation approach for persons with knee OA
CONCLUSION strength training , Tai Chi and aerobics exercises  improved balance and falls risk in older individuals with knee OA , while water-based exercises and light treatment did not significantly improve balance outcomes .
Strength training , Tai Chi and aerobics exercises can therefore be recommended as falls prevention strategies for individuals with OA .
INTRODUCTION osteoarthritis ( OA ) of knee has been reported as a risk factor for falls and reduced  balance in the elderly .
This systematic review evaluated the effectiveness of physical therapies in improving balance and reducing falls risk among patients with knee OA .