Efficacy of High?Intensity High?Velocity Resistance Training in Young Adults with Knee Osteoarthritis: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Knee osteoarthritis is one of the most common musculoskeletal disorders that affects mobility and quality of life. Although it is generally associated with older adults, recent clinical observations show an increasing prevalence among individuals between 35 and 45 years of age. Early?stage osteoarthritis often leads to reduced muscle strength, impaired neuromuscular control, and limitations in daily functional activities. Exercise?based rehabilitation plays a vital role in conservative management of the condition. High?Intensity High?Velocity (HIHV) resistance training is a progressive strengthening approach that emphasizes rapid force generation under high loads. The present study explored the effectiveness of HIHV resistance training for improving muscle strength and functional performance in young adults with knee osteoarthritis. Objective: To evaluate the impact of a 12?week High?Intensity High?Velocity resistance training program on muscle strength, functional mobility, and patient?reported outcomes among young adults diagnosed with mild knee osteoarthritis. Methods: Sixteen individuals aged between 35 and 45 years with clinically diagnosed mild knee osteoarthritis participated in the study. Participants performed a supervised HIHV resistance training program three times per week for twelve weeks. Outcome measures included the Ten?Repetition Maximum (10RM) test for muscle strength, the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test for functional mobility, and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) for pain and functional limitations. Assessments were conducted before and after the intervention. Results: The training program demonstrated excellent adherence with more than ninety percent of sessions completed. Participants showed a significant increase in muscle strength with an average improvement of 15.6 kg in the 10RM test. Functional mobility improved with a reduction of 1.2 seconds in TUG time. WOMAC scores decreased notably, reflecting reduced pain and improved physical function. Conclusion: High?Intensity High?Velocity resistance training appears to be a safe and beneficial exercise intervention for improving muscular performance and functional ability in young adults with knee osteoarthritis.