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 .
Effects of weight-bearing versus nonweight-bearing exercise on function, walking speed, and position sense in participants with knee osteoarthritis: a randomized controlled trial.
OBJECTIVE To investigate whether weight-bearing ( WB ) exercise enhances functional capacity to a greater extent than nonweight-bearing ( NWB ) exercise in participants with knee osteoarthritis . DESIGN R and omized controlled trial . SETTING Kinesiology laboratory . PARTICIPANTS Participants ( N=106 ) were r and omly assigned to WB exercise , NWB exercise , or a control group ( no exercise ) . INTERVENTION WB exercise and NWB exercise groups underwent an 8-week knee extension-flexion exercise program . MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index ( WOMAC ) function scale , walking speed , muscle torque , and knee reposition error were assessed before and after intervention . RESULTS Equally significant improvements were apparent for all outcomes after WB exercise and NWB exercise , except for reposition error , for which improvement was greater in the WB exercise group . In contrast , there were no improvements in the control group . CONCLUSIONS Simple knee flexion and extension exercises ( WB and NWB ) performed over 8 weeks result ed in significant improvement in the WOMAC function scale and knee strength compared with the control group . NWB exercise alone may be sufficient enough to improve function and muscle strength . The additional benefit of WB exercise was improved position sense , which may enhance complex walking tasks ( walking on figure of 8 route and spongy surface )
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 .