Journal of Sports Medicine & Doping Studies

Fine-tuning Mechanical Loading for Knee Osteoarthritis: An In-depth Examination

Abstract

Yaodong Congyu*

This paper provides an in-depth examination of fine-tuning mechanical loading as a therapeutic approach for knee Osteoarthritis (OA). Knee OA is a prevalent degenerative joint disease characterized by progressive cartilage degradation, pain and functional impairment. While traditional management strategies focus on symptom relief and joint protection, emerging evidence suggests that mechanical loading can play a crucial role in modulating disease progression and promoting joint health. By carefully adjusting the type, duration, frequency and intensity of mechanical loading, clinicians and researchers can tailor interventions to optimize outcomes for individuals with knee OA. This review explores the biomechanical principles underlying mechanical loading, highlights the potential benefits and limitations of different loading modalities and discusses current evidence supporting their efficacy in knee OA management. Additionally, it examines the challenges and opportunities associated with implementing personalized loading strategies in clinical practice, with a focus on advancing precision medicine approaches for optimizing treatment outcomes in knee OA.