Impact of the fit and strong intervention on older adults with osteoarthritis.
OBJECTIVE
This study assessed the impact of a low cost, multicomponent physical activity intervention for older adults with lower extremity osteoarthritis.


METHODS
A randomized controlled trial compared the effects of a facility-based multiple-component training program followed by home-based adherence (n = 80) to a wait list control group (n = 70). Assessments were conducted at baseline and at 2 and 6 months following randomization. The training program consisted of range of motion, resistance training, aerobic walking, and education-group problem solving regarding self-efficacy for exercise and exercise adherence. All training group participants developed individualized plans for posttraining adherence.


RESULTS
Relative to the persons in the control group, individuals who participated in the exercise program experienced a statistically significant improvement in exercise efficacy, a 48.5% increase in exercise adherence, and a 13.3% increase in 6-min distance walk that were accompanied by significant decreases in lower extremity stiffness at 2 and 6 months. Program participants also experienced a significant decrease in lower extremity pain and a borderline significant improvement in efficacy to adhere to exercise over time at 6 months (p =.052). In contrast, persons in the control group deteriorated over time on the efficacy and adherence measures and showed no change on the other measures. No adverse health effects were encountered.


CONCLUSIONS
These benefits indicate that this low-cost intervention may hold great promise as one of a growing number of public health intervention strategies for older adults in the United States with osteoarthritis.
Hughes
Susan L
SL
Health Research and Policy Centers, University of Illinois at Chicago, 850 W. Jackson Boulevard, Suite 400, Chicago, IL 60607, USA. shughes@uic.edu
Seymour
Rachel B
RB
Campbell
Richard
R
Pollak
Naomi
N
Huber
Gail
G
Sharma
Leena
L
D000368:Aged; D006233:Persons with Disabilities / Q000193:education / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D035002:Lower Extremity / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010003:Osteoarthritis / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D010146:Pain / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D010349:Patient Compliance; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular / Q000502:physiology; D020377:Self Efficacy; D016896:Treatment Outcome