Patients and methods: Between November 2020 and March 2021, a total of 60 female patients (mean age: 46.6±5.4 years; range, 33 to 56 years) who were diagnosed with early KOA were randomly assigned to an experimental group receiving neuromuscular training plus quadriceps strengthening (n=30) or a control group receiving quadriceps strengthening only (n=30). The same stretching and knee strengthening exercises were applied to the patients in both groups for eight weeks (24 sessions in total, 3 days/week). The experimental group also received neuromuscular training. The patients in both groups performed the exercises under the supervision of a physiotherapist once a week. In addition, all patients were educated about how to do the exercises at home. Knee pain severity, function, and fall risk were evaluated at baseline and at the end of eight weeks of treatment using a Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), and computerized static posturography system.

Results: The patients in both groups showed significant improvements in pain at the end of the treatment (p<0.001 and p<0.001, respectively). There was a statistically significant improvement in fall risk only in the experimental group (p=0.005). The experimental group showed a significant decrease in VAS scores compared to the control group (p=0.011).

Conclusion: Due to its potential positive effects on knee pain and fall risk, neuromuscular training can be added to treatment programs to enhance the effects of early KOA rehabilitation. Keywords : Exercise, knee, neuromuscular training, pain