Effects of a progressive aquatic resistance exercise program on the biomechanical composition and morphology of cartilage in women with mild knee osteoarthritis: protocol for a randomised controlled trial

Background. Symptoms associated with osteoarthritis of the knee result in decreased function, loss of working capacity and extensive social and medical costs. There is a need to investigate and develop effective interventions to minimise the impact of and even prevent the progression of osteoarthritis. Aquatic exercise has been shown to be effective at reducing the impact of osteoarthritis. The purpose of this article is to describe the rationale, design and intervention of a study investigating the effect of an aquatic resistance exercise intervention on cartilage in postmenopausal women with mild knee osteoarthritis. Methods. A minimum of 80 volunteers who meet the inclusion criteria will…