Figure 3 Neuromuscular exercise Figure 3 | Neuromuscular exercise. a | Whereas aerobic exercise aims to improve cardiovascular fitness, and strength training aims to increase muscle strength and muscle mass, neuromuscular exercise aims to improve sensorimotor control and obtain functional joint stabilization. The rationale for the use of neuromuscular training is the existence of sensorimotor deficiencies, symptoms of pain, functional instability and functional limitation. b | The targets for improvement are postural control, proprioception, muscle activation, muscle strength and coordination. The exercises involve multiple joints and muscle groups, closed kinetic chains, and lying, sitting and standing positions. Good movement quality with appropriate positioning of the hip, knee and foot in relation to each other is emphasized. The level of training is determined by the patient's sensorimotor control and quality of movement. Training progresses by introducing more-challenging support surfaces, engaging more body parts simultaneously and adding external stimuli, as well as varying the type, speed and direction of movement. Examples of external stimuli include throwing a ball, catching a ball and sudden, unexpected movements. Roos, E. M. & Arden, N. K. (2015) Strategies for the prevention of knee osteoarthritis Nat. Rev. Rheumatol. doi:10.1038/nrrheum.2015.135