Quadriceps combined with hip abductor strengthening versus quadriceps strengthening in treating knee osteoarthritis: A study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Lower limb strengthening, especially the quadriceps training, is of much necessity for patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA). Previous studies suggest that strengthening of the hip muscles, especially the hip abductor, can potentially relieve the KOA-associated symptoms. Nevertheless, the effects of quadriceps combined with hip abductor strengthening remain unclear.