Osteoarthritis and Exercise American Council on Exercise Association of Rheumatology Health Professionals Arthritis Foundation Course Overview Thank you for choosing “Osteoarthritis and Exercise”. The American Council on Exercise developed this course in partnership with the Association of Rheumatology Health Professionals, a division of the American College of Rheumatology, and in cooperation with the Arthritis Foundation. This continuing education course is designed to increase your knowledge about osteoarthritis (OA) and help you design safe and effective exercise interventions for your clients who suffer from OA. You will be uniquely positioned to meet the needs of millions of people with osteoarthritis who aim to lead a rewarding and low-pain physically active lifestyle. Course Overview The course includes the following information: • Osteoarthritis (OA) – Disease Process, Symptoms and Treatment Strategies • Other Types of Arthritis • Working with the Healthcare Team • Benefits and Potential Risks of Exercise • Exercise Guidelines for OA clients • Exercise Tips and Joint Protection Strategies • Recommended Resources/References Learning Objectives At the end of the course, you will be able to: 1. Describe the symptoms, underlying disease process and common treatment approaches for clients with osteoarthritis 2. Identify strategies for reducing unnecessary joint stress during and after exercise and the need to modify a client’s program 3. List exercise variations for the knee, hip and spine when a client has osteoarthritis in those joints 4. Describe the benefits, challenges and guidelines related to flexibility exercise, strength training and aerobic exercise for individuals with osteoarthritis Knowledge Assessment Throughout the course you will be asked questions to reinforce key learning points and verify your understanding of the material. Think carefully before answering each question. You must answer 70% of these questions correctly to complete the Osteoarthritis and Exercise course. Let’s get started. What is Arthritis? The term arthritis translates to “inflammation of a joint” Arthritis = Over 100 Different Pathologies Arthritis is characterized by inflammation, injury, and pain of the joints, muscles, connective tissue and/or soft tissues surrounding the bones and joints. Rheumatologic disorders (forms of arthritis) tend to be chronic and incurable; however, most can be effectively managed with proper treatment programs. Arthritis Statistics • As of 2006, 46 million Americans (1 in 5) have arthritis. • By 2030, an estimated 67 million Americans are projected to have doctor-diagnosed arthritis. • Arthritis is the second most prevalent chronic condition in the US and leading cause of disability over age 15. • It results in 39 million doctor visits and 500,000 hospitalizations per year. • It cost the US economy $128 billion in 2003. • It affects people in all age groups, including 300,000 kids. • It tends to affect more women (28.3%) than men (18.2%). • Prevalence: 34 million Caucasians; 4.6 million African- Americans; and 3.1 million Hispanics Arthritis Foundation and CDC More Arthritis Statistics • Nearly 80% of adults have or know someone with arthritis. • 40% of people with arthritis need to have work limitations. • It is a more frequent cause of activity limitation than heart disease, cancer or diabetes. • Everyday activities (walking, dressing, bathing) are limited for more than 7 million Americans. • Half of Americans with arthritis think there is nothing you can do about arthritis. • Baby boomers are primarily at risk. • Over ½ of those affected are under age 65. Arthritis Foundation and CDC Osteoarthritis (OA) Statistics Now let’s focus our attention on the form of arthritis called osteoarthritis (OA). • OA is the most common joint disorder in the United States, affecting 27 million Americans over 25 (Lawrence et al. 2008) • Symptoms typically start after age 40 with slow progression. • Total annual cost per person living with OA is $5700. • Under age 55, more men are affected with OA. Over age 55, more women are affected with OA. Overall, women are more often affected by OA than men. • A loss of joint function is the leading cause of work disability and reduced quality of life. • OA is common in people of all races and backgrounds. Arthritis Foundation and CDC