(English) Episode 246-Ranking the Best Exercises for Knee Arthritis

This systematic review and network meta-analysis evaluates the effectiveness and safety of various exercise modalities for treating knee osteoarthritis. By analyzing 217 randomized controlled trials involving over 15,000 participants, researchers compared interventions such as aerobic, strengthening, neuromotor, and mind-body exercises across different timeframes. The study concludes that aerobic exercise consistently offers the most significant benefits for reducing pain and improving physical function, gait, and quality of life. While other forms like flexibility and mixed exercises showed specific advantages, aerobic activities emerged as the superior first-line treatment. These findings aim to provide clinical clarity for medical professionals when prescribing specific activity regimens to manage this chronic condition. All examined exercise types were found to be safe, with no meaningful increase in adverse events compared to control groups.(Yan L, Li D, Xing D, Fan Z, Du G, Jiu J, et al. Comparative efficacy and safety of exercise modalities in knee osteoarthritis: systematic review and network meta-analysis. BMJ [Internet]. 2025;391:e085242. Available from: http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmj-2025-085242)