Fig. 2

Total Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) scores over the 12-month follow-up period. ****: P < 0.001; all 273 participants were included in the analysis. The total scores of the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) range from 0 to 240, with higher scores indicating worse pain, function, and stiffness