JOURNAL LA MEDIHEALTICO
Vol. 7 No. 1 (2026): Journal La Medihealtico

Systematic Review: The Effectiveness of Non-Pharmacological Interventions in the Management of Knee Osteoarthritis

Muh Gufron (Medical Education Program Student, Universitas Muslim Indonesia, Makassar, Indonesia)
Andi Dhedie Prasatia Sam (Department of Orthopedics, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Muslim Indonesia, Makassar, Indonesia)
Syarif Hidayatullah (Department of Orthopedics, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Muslim Indonesia, Makassar, Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
06 Feb 2026

Abstract

Knee osteoarthritis is a chronic degenerative disease that often causes pain, joint dysfunction, and reduced quality of life, especially in the elderly. Non-pharmacological therapy is recommended as the primary approach in the management of knee osteoarthritis because it is safe and sustainable. This study aims to examine the effectiveness of various non-pharmacological interventions in the management of knee osteoarthritis through a qualitative systematic review method. Literature searches were conducted in the PubMed, Scopus, SINTA, and Google Scholar databases with a publication range of 2020–2026, using keywords related to knee osteoarthritis and non-pharmacological interventions. The articles included were experimental studies and clinical trials involving knee osteoarthritis patients and reporting clinical outcomes such as pain, joint function, and quality of life. The results of the review showed that non-pharmacological interventions, including physical exercise, patient education, weight management, physiotherapy, and complementary therapies such as Tai Chi and acupuncture, were consistently effective in reducing pain, improving joint function, balance, and quality of life in patients. Therefore, non-pharmacological therapies can be recommended as first-line therapy or long-term supportive therapy in the management of knee osteoarthritis.

Copyrights © 2026






Journal Info

Abbrev

JournalLaMedihealtico

Publisher

Subject

Health Professions Medicine & Pharmacology Nursing Public Health Veterinary

Description

Journal La Medihealtico is peer reviewed, open access Academic and Research Journal which publishes Original Research Articles, Review Article, Case Report editorial comments etc. in all fields of medical sciences and health sciences including Health Care Delivery, Health Care Research, ...