Move It or Lose It: Physical Activity Found To Significantly Reduce Arthritis Symptoms

Arthritis is a word that is frequently heard but not understood. It is a broad term that serves as an encompassing diagnosis for over one hundred different joint affected disorders. These disorders are categorized into two major groups: inflammatory and non-inflammatory. The two most common arthritis diagnoses are osteoarthritis (OA), which is non-inflammatory, and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), which is inflammatory. In general, arthritis patients complain of stiffness, pain and loss of joint function, as well as an overall decrease in morale and self-efficacy. Fortunately, research shows that physical activity can lessen the depression and anxiety associated with arthritis and can potentially have the pain-relieving effects similar to pharmaceutical treatments.


On the other hand, the disorder’s complications often render the patient unable to adhere to an aerobic exercise regiment. A physician can properly assess cases on an individual basis according to their arthritis category and prescribe an appropriate physical activity intervention plan. Studies have proven that the most successful exercise types have been “low-intensity isokinetic training and physical training, intermediate intensity circuit training, and high intensity strength training.”


There are four major evidence based exercise programs proven to assist arthritis patients. The first two, the Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program and the Arthritis Foundation Aquatic Program, are both offered in the Northeast Missouri region. The exercise program boasts benefits of an increase in joint function and overall self-efficacy, as well as a decrease in depression. The aquatic program boasts an impressive “18% decrease in pain, 25% increase in functional ability, fewer physician visits, and a better perceived quality of life” among participants with OA and RA. Participants in the last two programs, EnhanceFitness and Active Living Everyday, enjoy benefits similar to those of the Arthritis Foundation’s programs.


Exercise is an effective method of arthritis pain management for seven important reasons. The first reason is that stretching exercises encourage greater flexibility for tight and achy arthritic joints. The second reason is that strength training will tone muscles that can serve as joint stabilizers and protectors. The third reason is that proper interventions like doing aquatic activities, walking, cycling, and dancing serve as natural painkillers. The fourth reason is that an exercise program indirectly decreases back pain due to the weight loss that is a result of vigorous exercises. The fifth reason is that physical activity boosts energy levels in those suffering from RA, therefore combating the fatigue normally associated with the disorder. The sixth reason is that exercise is beneficial for your mind, as well as your body. Many who successfully participate in exercise programs experience an increase in confidence which carries over into other facets of their lives and gives them the motivation to stay active. Finally, exercise strengthens your bones and prevents osteoporosis, which is a disorder that further compounds arthritis aches and pains.


The basic purpose of an exercise program for an arthritis patient is to preserve and protect the joints in order to decrease pain and increase overall range of motion, muscular strength, endurance, and flexibility. Physicians can prescribe suitable exercise programs according to the individual’s capabilities in order to fully achieve the benefits of physical activity.



Sources:

Arthritis management strategies. (n.d.). Retrieved September 3, 2009, from The Arthritis
Challenge Web-Based Training Site: http://www.dhpe.org/arthritis/websites/%20challenge.htm.


Maes, J., & Kravitz, L. (n.d.) Training clients with arthritis. Retrieved September 3, 2009 from
University of New Mexico Site: http://www.unm.edu/~lkravitz/Article%20folder/arthritis.html.


Silver, J.K., & Morin, C. (2008). Understanding fitness: How exercise fuels health and fights
disease. Westport, CT: Praeger Publishers.


Wallace, J. (1989). Arthritis relief. Emmaus, PA: Rodale Press.