Isokinetic strengthening and neuromuscular electrical stimulation protocol impact on physical performances, functional status and quality of life in knee osteoarthritis overweight/obese women

•Knee osteoarthritis causes several repercussions on muscle strength and flexibility, strength asymmetry, physical performances, joint range of motion amplitude, pain tolerance and quality of life,•Physical exercise should be considered as the primary therapy for knee osteoarthritis,•Knee periarticular muscles strengthening help to maintain and/or increase physical performances and functional status leading to improved range of motion and better quality of life,•Isokinetic muscle strengthening (IMS) and neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) are recommended to be included in the knee osteoarthritis rehabilitation programs,•The combined modality of IMS and NMES is recommended to increase physical and functional performances and quality of life in overweight or obese women with knee osteoarthritis.