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 .
Aquatic Physical Therapy for Hip and Knee Osteoarthritis: Results of a Single-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial
Background and Purpose Aquatic physical therapy is frequently used in the management of patients with hip and knee osteoarthritis ( OA ) , yet there is little research establishing its efficacy for this population . The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of aquatic physical therapy on hip or knee OA . Subjects A total of 71 volunteers with symptomatic hip OA or knee OA participated in this study . Methods The study was design ed as a r and omized controlled trial in which participants r and omly received 6 weeks of aquatic physical therapy or no aquatic physical therapy . Outcome measures included pain , physical function , physical activity levels , quality of life , and muscle strength . Results The intervention result ed in less pain and joint stiffness and greater physical function , quality of life , and hip muscle strength . Totals of 72 % and 75 % of participants reported improvements in pain and function , respectively , compared with only 17 % ( each ) of control participants . Benefits were maintained 6 weeks after the completion of physical therapy , with 84 % of participants continuing independently . Discussion and Conclusion Compared with no intervention , a 6-week program of aquatic physical therapy result ed in significantly less pain and improved physical function , strength , and quality of life . It is unclear whether the benefits were attributable to intervention effects or a placebo response
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 .