BACKGROUND: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common and debilitating musculoskeletal condition that significantly impacts the quality of life of affected individuals. Various interventions, including weight training and exercise (WTE), have been explored to alleviate pain and improve mobility in knee OA patients. This study aimed to comprehensively analyze the existing literature to evaluate the effects of different WTE interventions on pain, mobility, knee function, and quality of life in individuals with knee OA. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted, with clinical trials being the primary type of studies included in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. The primary outcomes of interest were pain reduction and improvements in mobility, assessed through various validated measures. RESULTS: A total of 15 clinical trials were included in this review. The meta-analysis revealed mixed findings regarding the effects of WTE on pain and mobility in knee OA patients. While some interventions, such as high-intensity resistance training, demonstrated significant reductions in pain and improvements in mobility, others showed no substantial differences compared to control groups. The diversity of exercise modalities and intervention durations across studies contributed to this variability. Nevertheless, the overall analysis indicated that WTE interventions have the potential to positively impact pain and mobility in knee OA, with variations depending on the specific exercise type and duration. CONCLUSIONS: The findings underscore the importance of tailoring exercise programs to individual patient needs and preferences. While certain exercise modalities yielded significant improvements, future research should focus on optimizing exercise protocols, conducting long-term follow-up assessments, and evaluating cost-effectiveness. These insights hold significant implications for healthcare providers seeking evidence-based strategies to enhance the well-being of knee OA patients.

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