Effect of gender on strength gains after isometric exercise coupled with electromyographic biofeedback in knee osteoarthritis: A preliminary study

Objective: The objective of this trial was to evaluate the effect of gender on strength gains after five week training programme that consisted of isometric exercise coupled with electromyographic biofeedback to the quadriceps muscle. Materials and methods: Forty-three (20 men and 23 women) patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA), were placed into two groups based on their gender. Both groups performed isometric exercise coupled with electromyographic biofeedback for five days a week for five weeks. Results: Both groups reported gains in muscle strength after five week training. However, the difference was found to be statistically insignificant between the two groups (P= 0.224). Conclusion: The results suggest that gender did not affect gains in muscle strength by isometric exercise coupled with electromyographic biofeedback in patients with knee OA.