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 .
Functional performance and inflammatory cytokines after squat exercises and whole-body vibration in elderly individuals with knee osteoarthritis.
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of squat exercises combined with whole-body vibration on the plasma concentration of inflammatory markers and the functional performance of elderly individuals with knee osteoarthritis ( OA ) . DESIGN Clinical , prospect i ve , r and omized , single-blinded study . SETTING Exercise physiology laboratory . PARTICIPANTS Elderly subjects with knee OA ( N=32 ) were divided into 3 groups : ( 1 ) squat exercises on a vibratory platform ( platform group , n=11 ) ; ( 2 ) squat exercises without vibration ( squat group , n=10 ) ; and ( 3 ) the control group ( n=11 ) . INTERVENTIONS The structured program of squat exercises in the platform and squat groups was conducted 3 times per week , on alternate days , for 12 weeks . MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Plasma soluble tumor necrosis factor-α receptors 1 ( sTNFR1 ) and 2 ( sTNFR2 ) were measured using immunoassays ( the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method ) . The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index question naire was used to evaluate self-reported physical function , pain , and stiffness . The 6-minute walk test , the Berg Balance Scale , and gait speed were used to evaluate physical function . RESULTS In the platform group , there were significant reductions in the plasma concentrations of the inflammatory markers sTNFR1 and sTNFR2 ( P<.001 and P<.05 , respectively ) and self-reported pain ( P<.05 ) compared with the control group , and there was an increase in balance ( P<.05 ) and speed and distance walked ( P<.05 and P<.001 , respectively ) . In addition , the platform group walked faster than the squat group ( P<.01 ) . CONCLUSIONS The results suggest that whole-body vibration training improves self-perception of pain , balance , gait quality , and inflammatory markers in elderly subjects 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 .