Effects of a foot-ankle muscle strengthening program on pain and function in individuals with knee osteoarthritis: a randomized controlled trial.

Background: Foot-ankle exercises could improve pain and function of individuals with KOA and need to be tested.

Objective: To investigate whether an 8-week foot-ankle muscle strengthening program is effective for individuals with KOA to reduce pain and improve function.

Methods: In this randomized controlled trial, individuals diagnosed with clinical and radiographic KOA were randomized into the intervention (supervised foot-ankle strengthening exercise program three times a week for 8 weeks) or control (usual care and recommendations of the healthcare team) group.