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Project 2: Exercise and Physical Fitness for Persons with Knee Osteoarthritis: Does One Size Fit All?
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis and the most prevalent cause of disability, with OA of the knee among its most disabling forms. Researchers estimate that the risk of disability caused by OA of the knee is equal to the risk of disability caused by cardiovascular disease and greater than that caused by any other medical conditions. Studies have shown that almost one-third of men and 40 percent of women will have some changes in the knee caused by OA by the time they reach 65.
Generally, OA of the knee results in difficulty walking, getting down on and up from chairs, climbing stairs, performing household tasks, shopping and other daily activities. In its moderate to severe forms, OA of the knee can result in changes in gait, hips, ankles, and knees. These physical difficulties can result in a more sedentary lifestyle, leading to poorer physical fitness and health. Because OA of the knee progresses differently in different people, those who have it benefit the most when receiving tailored recommendations. Exercise, in particular, must be designed accordingly to an individual’s severity of the condition, mobility, fitness level, occupational tasks and lifestyle. To date, research has shown that exercise improves the physical condition of those with knee OA.
This project will examine the following:
- The effects of strength training vs. aerobic exercise
- If certain individuals respond better to exercise than other people and why
- Whether people who have participated in exercise therapy previously would benefit more from an individually tailored exercise program than those with no prior experience in group exercise.
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