OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of a multi-professional educational program in patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA). METHODS: Prospective randomized controlled trial with 195 KOA patients. One group was submitted to two-day lectures and received educational material about KOA (class group), and the control group received the educational material only. Patients were evaluated at baseline, twelve and 24 months. At evaluation, patients answered pain and functional questionnaires (WOMAC, Lequesne, VAS and SF-36); reported the intensity of exercise per week; measured the body fat percentage, weight and height to estimate body mass index (BMI); and performed Timed Up and Go (TUG) and Five-Times-Sit-to-Stand (FTSST) tests. RESULTS: The groups presented similar results in all time points with respect to pain (VAS and WOMAC pain), WOMAC, BMI and body fat percentage (p > 0.05). The class group exhibited improved function according to the Lequesne questionnaire, whereas the control group worsened (p = 0.02) during follow-up (p < 0.02). TUG (p = 0.01) and FTSST (p < 0.001) improved in the class group. A higher percentage of patients in the class group performed regular physical activity (p = 0.045). CONCLUSIONS: The educational program with classes improved the consistency of physical activity and the subjective and objective function of patients with KOA. Level of evidence IA, prospective randomized controlled trial.

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