Effects of neuromuscular control and strengthening exercises on MRI-measured thigh tissue composition and muscle properties in people with knee osteoarthritis - an exploratory secondary analysis from a randomized controlled trial.

Objective: To investigate the effects of adding strength training to neuromuscular control exercises on thigh tissue composition and muscle properties in people with radiographic-symptomatic knee osteoarthritis (KOA).

Methods: In this exploratory secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial, using a complete-case approach, participants performed 12 weeks of twice-weekly neuromuscular control exercise and patient education (NEMEX, n = 34) or NEMEX plus quadriceps strength training (NEMEX+ST, n = 29). Outcomes were MRI-measured inter- and intramuscular adipose tissue (InterMAT, IntraMAT), quadriceps muscle cross-sectional area (CSA), knee-extensor strength, specific strength (strength/lean CSA) and 30 s chair-stands.