Strength Training Intervention for Adult Individuals with Knee Osteoarthritis: Establishing Fidelity

Niloufar Ghadamyari¹F. Neşe Şahin²Guner Cicek³Tülay CEYLAN⁴Özkan Güler²Onur Mutlu Yasar⁵Cüneyt Şensoy⁶Cansel Arslanoğlu⁷Erkal Arslanoğlu⁷Erol Doğan⁸Hamza Küçük^8*

• ¹Department of Health and Sport Sciences, Institute of Health Sciences, Physical Activity, Ankara University, Ankara, Türkiye
• ²Faculty of Sport Sciences, Ankara University, Ankara, Ankara, Türkiye
• ³Faculty of Sport Sciences, Hitit University, Corum, Corum, Türkiye
• ⁴Graduate School of Education, Ondokuz Mayis University, Samsun, Türkiye
• ⁵Faculty of Health Sciences, Izmir Democracy University, İzmir, Türkiye
• ⁶Pakistan Embassy International Study School, Ankara, Türkiye
• ⁷Faculty of Sport Sciences, Sinop University, Sinop, Sinop, Türkiye
• ⁸Yasar Doğu Faculty of Sport Sciences, Ondokuz Mayıs University, Samsun, Samsun, Türkiye

Background: Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a prevalent chronic condition among the adult individuals, leading to pain, joint stiffness, and muscle weakness. Resistance training is an effective strategy for alleviating KOA-related symptoms and improving physical function. However, the efficacy of such interventions also depends on their fidelity, ensuring that the prescribed exercise protocols are followed correctly. This study aimed to assess the fidelity of a structured strength training program and its effects on pain management in adult individuals with KOA. Methods: A total of 72 adults (mean age = 56.27 ± 4.89 years), approximately 40% of whom were overweight, were randomly assigned to either a strength training group (n = 37) or a control group (n = 35). Quantitative data were collected using the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), while qualitative data on intervention fidelity were obtained through self-reported adherence to daily home workouts. Results: The results indicated a significant improvement in KOOS scores in the strength training group compared to the control group (p<0.001). Participants consistently adhere to the prescribed exercise program in their home workouts. These findings highlight the importance of intervention fidelity in strength training programs for adult individuals with KOA, emphasizing its role in optimizing health outcomes. Conclusions: This study contributes to the growing evidence supporting structured strength training as a viable strategy for managing KOA-related symptoms and enhancing physical function in ageing populations.