NEW YORK, Feb 14 (Reuters Health) -- Osteoarthritis of the knee often
causes difficulties with balance and walking, which in turn contribute to the
risk of falling. Study findings suggest that exercise -- either aerobics or
weight training -- can improve balance in older adults with this condition.
Dr. Stephen P. Messier of Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, North
Carolina, and colleagues from there and from the University of Tennessee in
Memphis, studied balance in a group of adults over age 60 with osteoarthritis of
the knee. Participants were divided into three groups, and started either an
aerobic walking program, a weight lifting program, or a health education
program. These programs each included three sessions a week for 18 months.
The first 3 months of each program took place at the study center, after
which the two exercise groups continued their program at home. All participants
received regular phone calls from study staff to provide support and find out if
they were keeping up their programs.
After the program, participants were given balance tests. Those who had
received either aerobic or weight training did significantly better on a balance
task that required standing on both legs with eyes closed, and where the task
required standing on one leg with eyes open.
Writing in the January issue of the Journal of American Geriatrics
Society, Messier and colleagues conclude that their findings "suggest that
long-term weight training and aerobic walking programs significantly improve
postural sway in older, osteoarthritic adults."
The authors also noted that previous studies have reported that exercise
can improve strength, physical function, gait, and exercise capacity in patients
with osteoarthritis, as well as reducing knee pain.
