Exercise touted for osteoarthritis
A recent study funded by the National Institute on Aging (NIA) suggests that people with osteoarthritis of the knee who exercise in moderation have less pain, reduced disability, and improved physical performance compared with people who are only educated about their condition.
Two universities participated in FAST
A group of 439 people over age 60 with knee osteoarthritis took part in the 18-month Fitness Arthritis and Senior Trial (FAST) study at two clinical centers, the University of Tennessee in Memphis and Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, NC.
One group participated in a walking program on an indoor track with a trained exercise leader followed by a home walking program. Another group participated in a resistance training program, at a facility, and at home, using dumbbells and cuff weights. The control group attended monthly education sessions led by a trained nurse.
"In the past, opinion was divided as to whether exercise or rest was the best treatment for osteoarthritis. This study clearly comes down on the side of exercise," says Stanley Slater, MD, deputy associate director of the NIA geriatrics program.
For more information on the study, contact the NIA at (301) 496-1752.
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