1. Knee bracing, hydrotherapy, and exercise are the most effective non-pharmacologic treatments for relieving pain, stiffness, and improving function in knee osteoarthritis (KOA).
2. The study evaluated 12 non-pharmacologic treatment options for KOA, including laser therapy, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, and ultrasound.
3. Knee bracing was associated with the highest probability of reducing pain, improving physical function, and relieving stiffness on the WOMAC scale.
4. Hydrotherapy demonstrated the greatest likelihood of improving total WOMAC scores and VAS scores at rest.
5. Exercise consistently ranked among the top interventions across multiple outcomes, particularly for pain and function.
6. The study used a frequentist model and Surface Under the Cumulative Ranking (SUCRA) curves to integrate direct and indirect comparisons and probabilistically rank each intervention.
7. The research adhered to PRISMA 2020 guidelines and included only randomized controlled trials with adults diagnosed with KOA using standardized criteria.
8. Knee bracing, hydrotherapy, and exercise may provide symptom relief with fewer systemic risks than pharmacologic therapies for KOA.

Source: PLOS One