Older persons with osteoarthritis (OA) are known to have poor aerobic functioning, possibly because they cease activity due to pain. Those with lower extremity joint impairment have also been shown to be at particular risk for future disability. Although exercise programs tailored for persons with lower extremity OA have shown short term efficacy, little is known about long term adherence and the impact of adherence on disability. Therefore, this prospective clinical trial is testing the short (8 weeks) and long term (24 months) impact of an arthritis exercise/education intervention. Proximal outcomes include generic and arthritis-specific physical activity (Geriaims), lower extremity functioning (WOMAC), endurance (6-minute distance walk), and strength (timed sit-stand test). Mediators include improved disease management and exercise efficacy (Lorig). Distal outcomes include mobility and instrumental and basic ADL (Geriaims). Preliminary data (N=94) indicate that participants have a mean age of 74, 84% are female, 75% are white, and the majority have moderate arthritis-specific lower extremity impairment at baseline. No statistically significant differences have been seen by study group on any demographic, disease or baseline measures of study outcomes. Eight week outcomes on 47 treatment and 37 control participants indicate significant treatment group improvements (p < .05) in lower extremity stiffness and physical function as measured by the WOMAC.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant will be able to: (1) describe strategies for increasing adherence to exercise among older adults, and (2) identify appropriate outcomes for assessing both the short and long term impact of adherence to exercise among older adults
Keywords: Exercise, Arthritis
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.