LEC17: Osteoarthritis and Physical Activity

Question 1

What is the definition of arthritis?

Answer 1

Inflammation of the joint
- ‘arthr’ – joint
- ‘itis’ – inflammation

Question 2

Approximately how many Canadians have arthritis?

Answer 2

6 million (~1 in 5)

Question 3

Who does arthritis affect?

Answer 3

Affects people of all ages, physical abilities, and ethnicities

Question 4

What is one of the leading causes of disability in Canada

Answer 4

Arthritis

Question 5

What are the two types of arthritis?

Answer 5

1. Inflammatory arthritis
2. Degenerative arthritis

Question 6

What is inflammatory arthritis?

Answer 6

An autoimmune disorder; an individual’s own antibodies attack tissue in the lining of the joint (i.e. synovial membrane)
ex. Rheumatoid arthritis

Question 7

What is degenerative arthritis?

Answer 7

Wearing away and breakdown of cartilage
ex. Osteoarthritis (OA)

Question 8

Joints affected by osteoarthritis (OA)

Answer 8

1. End joints of fingers
2. Middle joints of fingers
3. Joint at base of thumb
4. Hips
5. Knees
6. Joints at base of big toe
7. Neck (cervical spine)
8. Low back (lumbar spine)

Question 9

What are the risk factors for osteoarthritis?

Answer 9

1. Genetics
2. Fractures or other joint injuries earlier in life (changes the biomechanics of the joint)
3. Long-term overuse (occupational or sport related)
4. Excess weight

Question 10

What are the signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis?

Answer 10

1. Pain in joints
2. Decreased range of motion
3. Joint deformity
4. Muscle weakness around joints
5. Changes in gait pattern

Question 11

What entails pain in joints (osteoarthritis)?

Answer 11

1. Gradual onset of pain in joints
2. Pain can usually be relieved with rest
3. Varied pain (often in relation to changes in the weather - the atmospheric pressure)
4. Sometimes described as aching or throbbing
5. Rubbing, grating, or crackling sound in joints

Question 12

What are the Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines for individuals with osteoarthritis?

Answer 12

They do not exist
- Follow the existing age-appropriate guidelines
- Exercise is highly recommended to manage symptoms

Question 13

Individuals with osteoarthritis should be encouraged to do what?

Answer 13

Undertake regular aerobic, muscle strengthening, and range of motion exercises.

Question 14

What are the benefits of aerobic exercise programs for older adults with osteoarthritis?

Answer 14

1. Increased aerobic capacity
2. Decreased depression and anxiety
3. Decreased fatigue
4. Increased muscular strength
5. Decreased pain
6. Overall improved function

Question 15

What are the benefits of resistance training programs for older adults with osteoarthritis?

Answer 15

1. Decreased stiffness
2. Increased muscle strength
3. Decreased pain
4. Overall improved function

Question 15

Types of resistance training for individuals with osteoarthritis

Answer 15

1. Weight-bearing VS non-weight bearing
2. Dynamic VS isometric

Question 15

Types of aerobic exercises for individuals with osteoarthritis

Answer 15

Low impact!

1. Walking
2. Rowing
3. Cycling
4. Aquatics

Question 16

What exercise modifications for individuals with osteoarthritis?

Answer 16

To decrease pain during exercise – consider changing the load through the joint or range of motion being used

1. Choose low impact activities
2. Work within safe range or motion
3. Single plane of motion
4. Change planes of motion slowly
5. Shorter levers = less joint pressure
6. Use of aids to reduce joint pressure (i.e. leaning on a chair, nordic walking poles, canes, braces, proper footwear)