Evaluation of the compliance to exercise therapy in patients with knee osteoarthritis

The aim of this study was to assess and determine the factors that are related to patient compliance to physical exercise regimen in patients with knee osteoarthritis. A total of 120 patients with a mean age of 57.3 +/- 8.4 years were enrolled in the exercise program. Demographics and clinical characteristics of the subjects were obtained. A 3-month home-based exercise program consisting of standard exercises was prescribed. The frequency and accuracy of the exercises were recorded at the end of the first week and each month after that and compliance to the exercise therapy was determined. The mean compliance of the patients to exercises were 90 +/- 2.3 % and 85 +/- 3.1 %, respectively, at the baseline and end of the study. A positive correlation was found between the duration of the disease, pain scores, difference of circumference of both knees, range of flexion degree. and compliance to the exercises. In conclusion, higher compliance was demonstrated after a 3-month home-based exercise program in patients. Further studies are needed to assess long term compliance to exercise regimen in patients suffering from knee osteoarthritis.