Lower extremity joint impairment is known to be a risk factor for future disability. This study seeks to assess whether an exercise/education intervention specifically designed for older persons with lower extremity osteoarthritis can delay disability onset. Specifically, this prospective clinical trial randomly assigns eligible participants to treatment or control groups. The intervention is comprised of 24 exercise and education sessions held three times/week over 8 weeks followed by an individualized home based program. The exercise component emphasizes lower extremity resistance training and aerobic walking and the education component addresses arthritis self care, overcoming exercise barriers, and ways to reinforce exercise participation. Outcomes are assessed at 2, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months. Intermediate outcomes include arthritis management, exercise, and exercise adherence efficacy. Proximal outcomes include self reported physical activity, timed stand, 6-minute walk and lower extremity functioning (WOMAC). Distal outcomes include increased functional ability and decreased disability. Preliminary proximal outcome data on the seven groups who completed the 6 month posttest show increased efficacy for exercise and symptom management among treatment group subjects and increased performance on physical measures (p<.05).
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, Adherence
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.