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Hospital exercise programs improve pain relief, function for patients with osteoarthritis
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Participants of weekly hospital-based exercise programs for osteoarthritis had improved function, quality of life and pain relief, according to Hospital for Special Surgery researchers.
“When participants were asked to report their level of pain severity, there were statistically significant reductions in pain from pre- to post-test. Pain is a huge factor in quality of life,” Sandra Goldsmith, director of the Public and Patient Education Department at Hospital for Special Surgery, stated in a press release.
In the study, more than half of 200 participants in the exercise portion of the Osteoarthritis Wellness Initiative reported pain relief from joining the programs. Using the Brief Pain Inventory, patients noted that their pain levels decreased from 4.5 to 2.7, and patients had a 54% improvement in walking ability, mood, sleep, normal work, enjoyment of life and general activity.
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The classes included exercises like yoga, tai chi, yoga-lates, dance fitness and mat and chair pilates, with instructors available to tailor the exercise program for patients with osteoarthritis. Researchers issued surveys to participants before and after the exercise programs. Among the participants who filled out surveys both before and after the programs, 62% reported reduced pain from the programs.
Reference:
Goldsmith S. Paper #2400. Presented at: American College of Rheumatology Annual Meeting. Nov. 9 – 14, 2012; Washington D.C.
