Glucosamine/chondroitin combined with exercise for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis: a preliminary study.

S.P.Messier, S. Mihalko, R.F. Loeser, C. Legault, J. Jolla, J. Pfruender, B. Prosser, A. Adrian and J.D. Williamson

This study sought to determine whether using 1500/1200mg of glucosamine hydrochloride and chondroitin sulfate (GH/CS) is effective, both separately and combined with exercise, compared to a placebo plus exercise program in improving physical function, pain, strength, balance, and mobility in older adults with knee osteoarthritis (OA). 89 participants with knee OA were randomized to either GH/CS or placebo group. Phase I was a 6-month trial comparing the effects of assignment to either GH/CS or placebo. Phase II added 6 months of exercise for both groups. WOMAC function and pain did not differ significantly between the groups at 6- or 12-month follow-up. There were also no significant differences between the groups in 6-min walk or knee strength; however, balance was better in the placebo group with approximately a 10% difference compared to the GH/CS group.

Taking 1500/1200mg of glucosamine hydrochloride and chondroitin sulfate both separately and combined with exercise is not superior to placebo in function, pain, or mobility.

Osteoarthritis and Cartilage, 2007, 15(11), 1256-66.

Link to Abstract

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