Background
Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is characterized by a progressive degeneration of cartilage and menisci, leading to pain and locomotor disability. Here, we aimed to assess the effect of an exercise protocol and the oral use of non-hydrolyzed collagen (NHC-type II) on the functionality and quality of life of women with knee OA.
Material and methods
Individuals were divided into three groups (CG [control group]; MG [medication group]; EG [exercise group]). In the CG there was no intervention, while MG received an oral dose (1 capsule/day) of NHC-type II and the EG held 12 sessions of an exercise protocol.
Results
In the functionality tests (6-min walk test, 6MWT and timed up and go test [TUG]) the EG (p < 0.001/p = 0.020) and MG (p = 0.010/p = 0.010) revealed a significant improvement when compared to the CG. In the analysis of quality of life by WOMAC, a significant improvement was found only in the EG (p = 0.030) when compared to the CG; the same happened in the stiffness domain (EG, p = 0.010), despite in the pain domain, both the EG (p < 0.001) and the MG (p = 0.060) were better than the CG.
Conclusion
Data obtained here reveal that an exercise protocol and NHC-type II have similar effects for functionality, despite exercise being superior in promoting the quality of life score.
