OverviewKnee braces, water therapy, and exercise are the most effective non-drug treatments for knee osteoarthritis, according to a major new study published in the open-access journal PLOS One. Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a degenerative joint condition affecting millions of older adults, often causing pain, stiffness, and limited mobility. In response, researchers conducted a large-scale analysis to determine which non-drug therapies offer the greatest benefit. “Knee braces, hydrotherapy, and exercise are the most effective non-drug therapies for knee osteoarthritis. Clinical efficacy of different therapeutic options for knee osteoarthritis: A network meta-analysis based on randomized clinical trials.