For people with osteoarthritis, "move it or lose it" could be more than just a phrase.
Research has shown that even low-intensity physical activity can ward off some of the difficulties of daily living, but adults with arthritis are less likely to exercise because of chronic pain and fatigue. A structured program taught by occupational therapists may help.
Researchers from the University of Michigan Health System studied 54 older adults with hip or knee osteoarthritis. Half were assigned to an exercise program with occupational therapists, the other half an exercise program with only health education. The participants attended eight sessions over four weeks, plus two follow-up sessions over a six-month period.
At the end, the occupational therapy exercise group had higher levels of physical activity than the others.
"Occupational therapy is really the missing link in promoting wellness of people with hip and knee osteoarthiritis," said lead researcher Susan L. Murphy, an assistant professor in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. The findings will be published in the Oct. 15 issue of the journal Arthritis and Rheumatism
"People with osteoarthritis tend to know more about surgical options," she said, "and less about how they can take an active role in promoting their own health and well-being. . . . The bottom line is to find ways to help people create and maintain these healthy habits."
Contact staff writer Sandy Bauers at 215 854-5147 or Sbauers@phillynews.com To see more of The Philadelphia Inquirer, or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.philly.com. Copyright (c) 2008, The Philadelphia Inquirer Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services. For reprints, email tmsreprints@permissionsgroup.com, call 800-374-7985 or 847-635-6550, send a fax to 847-635-6968, or write to The Permissions Group Inc., 1247 Milwaukee Ave., Suite 303, Glenview, IL 60025, USA.
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