Table 3.

Return to activity protocols for knee osteoarthritis after regenerative medicine intervention(s).

Goals	Return to participation	Return to sport	Return to performance
Precautions	Gradual and progressive	Gradual and progressive	No limitations
Suggested therapeutic exercise(s) or modality	Participate in rehabilitation, training, or in sport, but at a level lower than his or her return to sport goals High-intensity resistance exercise WBV therapy (frequency of 35–40 Hz, vibration 60 s, interval rest 60 s) in combination with squat BFRT- Perform 4 sets (30, 15, 15, 15 repetitions) at 15–30% of 1RM	Continued strengthening exercises with progressions as needed (various sports-specific speed, strength, agility, and flexibility drills) High-intensity resistance exercise work/sport specific balance and proprioceptive training WBV therapy (frequency of 35–40 Hz, vibration 60 s, interval rest 60 s) in combination with squat BFRT- Perform 4 sets (30, 15, 15, 15 repetitions) at 15–30% of 1RM Return to sport programs	work/sport specific strengthening, balance and proprioceptive training High-intensity resistance exercise WBV therapy (frequency of 35–40 Hz, vibration 60 s, interval rest 60 s) in combination with squat BFRT- Perform 4 sets (30, 15, 15, 15 repetitions) at 15–30% of 1RM Completion of objective functional tests- Y-balance, FMS, Biodex drop jumps, hop test,
Cardiovascular Exercises	Light aerobic activity	Replicate sport or work specific energy demands	Perform at fitness level needed for sport
Progression Criteria	Modified or unrestricted	Individual has returned to his or her defined sport/activity, but is not performing at his/her desired performance level	Continue training as per athlete/sports periodization cycles for performance demands Gradual return to his/her defined sport/activity and is performing at or above his/her preinjury level

● If increased pain return to previous step until pain is controlled and full return to function required for that step.

● Abbreviations: knee osteoarthritis, KOA; range of motion, ROM; pro re nata, PRN (as circumstances require); low level laser therapy, LLLT; transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation, TENS; interferential current, IFC; whole body vibration, WBV; blood flow restriction therapy, BFRT.