Abstract: Objective To explore the effect of joint mobilization and quadriceps setting on nitric oxide(NO) and tumor necrosis factor(TNF) of the experimental knee osteoarthritis in rabbits. Methods Rabbits model of knee osteoarthritis was induced by papain. 32 rabbits were divided into 4 groups randomly, 8 in each group. The changes of contents of NO and TNF in synovia were detected.Results Expression of NO and TNF in synovia of all treatment groups decreased compared to the control group(P<0.01).Conclusion Joint mobilization and quadriceps setting can decrease the level of NO and TNF in synovia.

Key words: osteoarthritis, nitric oxide(NO), tumor necrosis factor(TNF), joint mobilization, empirical study, rabbit