Comparative Effects of Calisthenic Exercises and Sensory-Motor Training in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Abstract

Background: Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent musculoskeletal disorder leading to pain, limited mobility, and functional disability. Non-pharmacological interventions, including calisthenic and sensory-motor training, have demonstrated clinical utility, but direct comparative evidence for these modalities remains limited. Objective: To compare the effects of calisthenic exercises and sensory-motor training, both combined with conventional physical therapy, on pain, range of motion, balance, and functional disability in patients with grade III knee osteoarthritis. Methods: A single-blind, randomized controlled trial was conducted with 108 adults (aged 40–65) diagnosed with unilateral grade III knee OA. Participants were allocated to either calisthenic or sensory-motor training groups (n=54 each) and completed 8-week supervised interventions. Outcomes—Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain, goniometric range of motion (ROM), Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, and WOMAC index—were assessed at baseline, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks. Data were analyzed using independent t-tests and repeated measures ANOVA. Results: Both interventions resulted in significant improvements in pain, ROM, balance, and disability (all p<0.01). Sensory-motor training was superior at 8 weeks, yielding greater reductions in pain (VAS difference: 1.41; Cohen’s d=3.00) and disability (WOMAC difference: 19.78; Cohen’s d=5.54), and larger improvements in ROM and TUG performance compared to calisthenic exercises. Conclusion: Sensory-motor training was more effective than calisthenic exercises in improving pain, range of motion, balance, and function in patients with moderate knee osteoarthritis, supporting its prioritization in conservative rehabilitation strategies.