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 1500/1200 mg 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 subjects 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. The results showed that GH/CS group was not superior to the placebo group in function, pain, or mobility after both phases of the intervention.

Osteoarthritis and Cartilage, 2007, 15(11), 1256-1266

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