The effect of isokinetic and aerobic exercises on serum interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor alpha levels, pain, and functional activity in patients with knee osteoarthritis

Objectives. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of isokinetic and aerobic exercise training programs on serum pro-inflammatory cytokine levels, pain, and functional activity in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA). Methods. Forty-two postmenopausal women and men with knee OA according to American College of Rheumatology diagnostic criteria were included. Patients were randomized into isokinetic and aerobic exercises and control groups. In intervention groups, patients were included in predetermined exercise programs 3 times per week for 6 weeks. Severity of pain, functional activity status, muscle strength, functional capacity, and serum cytokine levels were evaluated at baseline and at the 6th week. Results. At the end of 6th week, there was no statistically significant decrease in serum proinflammatory cytokine levels in both the exercise groups, although C-reactive protein levels exhibited a strong trend toward significance. We found a significant decrease in visual analog scale and Western Ontario McMaster Osteoarthritis Index scores, and significant increase in functional capacity and muscle strength in both the exercise groups compared with those in the control group.