October 2 (HealthDay News) -- Resistance training improves muscle strength and physical functioning while decreasing pain in many people with knee osteoarthritis, a new report says.

A research team, lead by the University of Sydney, analyzed previously conducted trials on knee osteoarthritis and resistance training -- which included resistance machines, free weights, isometric exercise and other devices such as elastic bands. The majority of these studies, they found, reported that symptoms, physical function and strength were improved with resistance training.

More than half of the studies reported a decrease in self-reported pain, and 79 percent found self-reported mobility improved following resistance training. Progressive resistance training was also tied to an overall increase in physical activity levels.

The study was published in the October issue of Arthritis Care & Research.

SOURCE: Arthritis Care & Research, news release, Sept. 29, 2008