The Influence of Physical Exercises on the Flexibility of Older Individuals with Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review

Aline Cristina  Gomes Santos; Vanessa Da  Silva Caiado; Eloá  Moreira-Marconi; Ygor  Teixeira-Silva; Alexandre  Gonçalves De Meirelles; Adérito  Seixas; Ana Cristina  Rodrigues Lacerda; Anelise  Sonza; Vanessa Amaral  Mendonça; Mario  Bernardo-Filho; Danúbia Da  Cunha De Sá-Caputo

doi:10.18502/ijph.v53i2.14911

Aline Cristina Gomes Santos Postgraduate Program in Clinical and Experimental Pathophysiology, State University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Vanessa Da Silva Caiado Postgraduate Program in Clinical and Experimental Pathophysiology, State University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Eloá Moreira-Marconi Postgraduate Program in Clinical and Experimental Pathophysiology, State University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Ygor Teixeira-Silva Laboratory of Mechanical Vibrations and Integrative Practices-LAVIMPI, Department of Biophysics and Biometry, Institute of Biology Roberto Alcântara Gomes and Polyclinic Piquet Carneiro, State University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Alexandre Gonçalves De Meirelles Laboratory of Mechanical Vibrations and Integrative Practices-LAVIMPI, Department of Biophysics and Biometry, Institute of Biology Roberto Alcântara Gomes and Polyclinic Piquet Carneiro, State University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Adérito Seixas Higher School of Health Fernando Pessoa, University Fernando Pessoa, Porto, Portugal
Ana Cristina Rodrigues Lacerda School of Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of the Jequitinhonha and Mucuri, Diamantina, Minas Gerais, Brazil
Anelise Sonza State University of Santa Catarina, Santa Catarina, Brazil
Vanessa Amaral Mendonça School of Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of the Jequitinhonha and Mucuri, Diamantina, Minas Gerais, Brazil
Mario Bernardo-Filho Laboratory of Mechanical Vibrations and Integrative Practices-LAVIMPI, Department of Biophysics and Biometry, Institute of Biology Roberto Alcântara Gomes and Polyclinic Piquet Carneiro, State University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Danúbia Da Cunha De Sá-Caputo Postgraduate Program in Clinical and Experimental Pathophysiology, State University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/ijph.v53i2.14911

Keywords: Knee osteoarthritis; Aged; Range of motion; Exercise therapy; Rehabilitation

Abstract

Background: Flexibility is a component of functional capacity and is relevant in maintaining the musculature and structures adjacent to the joints. Then, the improvement of the flexibility must be a critical goal in the rehabilitation programs. By improving flexibility in knee osteoarthritis (KOA) individuals, the pain is relieved, the risk of injury is reduced, and the need for surgical interventions is delayed. We aimed to summarize the available literature on the influence of different physical exercise modalities on flexibility in older KOA individuals.

Methods: This study followed the PRISMA statement and registered in PROSPERO (CRD42020195786). Seven databases (MEDLINE/PubMed; PEDro; CINAHL; Scopus; Web of Science; Embase; and SPORTDiscus) were screened for papers published prior to Sep 6, 2022. The PEDro scale, Cochrane collaborations, and ROBINS-I tools were used to evaluate the methodological quality and risk of bias.

Results: Ten studies (including 438 participants diagnosed with KOA) fulfilled the eligibility criteria, and nine concluded that flexibility was improved after a physical exercise program.

Conclusion: Despite the modality, physical exercise improves flexibility in older KOA individuals, improving the functional capacity. Health professionals engaged in KOA rehabilitation should use physical exercise as a strategy to improve the flexibility of this population.