Perlman A, et al. – In this multisite randomized controlled trial involving adults with knee osteoarthritis (OA), researchers investigated the impact of whole-body massage on knee OA vs active control (light-touch) and usual care. Comparative assessments were made at baseline and weeks 8, 16, 24, 36, and 52. On the basis of intention to treat, participants in the massage or light-touch groups were given 60 minutes of protocolized whole body massage or light-touch as eight weekly treatments and were then randomized to biweekly interventions or usual care to week 52; the original usual care group maintained up to week 24. Of the 551 adults screened for eligibility, 222 with knee OA were enrolled, 200 completed 8-week assessments, and 175 completed 52-week assessments. Authors observed improvement in symptoms from the massage at week 8 (ie, pain, stiffness, and physical function according to WOMAC Global scores) vs light-touch and usual care interventions but no significant improvement at week 52. The massage was observed as a good short-term treatment option with the least adverse effects. Improvement with no additional benefit was observed with a longer term biweekly dose.