Combined Effects of Turmeric Supplementation and Strengthening Exercises on Knee Pain, Physical Function, and Quality of Life among Knee Osteoarthritis Patients

Background.Strengthening exercises have been reported to enhance individuals' physical function and quality of life (QoL).Additionally, turmeric supplementation has demonstrated analgesic qualities, which may indirectly improve physical function and QoL.Objectives.This study examines the combined effects of turmeric supplementation and strengthening exercises on knee pain, physical function, and QoL in knee osteoarthritis patients versus knee-strengthening exercises alone.Methods.Thirty-five knee osteoarthritis patients (mean age 59.0 11.4 years) were recruited and randomly assigned to the PE group (n=17) or the TE group (n=18).All participants performed strengthening exercises three times per week for 12 weeks.Participants in group TE took one turmeric supplement daily containing 697 mg/tablet of curcumin for 12 weeks.Measurements were conducted at pre-test, mid-test, and post-test, including anthropometric assessments, the 6-minute walk test (6MWT), and the administration of the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), and the Quality of Life Questionnaire-Malay version.Results.The TE group significantly improved the VAS-pain score, walking distance during the 6MWT, WOMAC scores, and QoL levels for physical, psychological, and social health (p<0.05).However, the prescribed intervention did not significantly affect QoL related to environmental health (p>0.05).Conclusion.Combining turmeric supplementation and strengthening exercises enhanced pain reduction, physical function, and overall quality of life compared to strengthening exercises alone.