Week 13

Question 1

Describe arthritis and the two most common forms

Answer 1

Inflammatory conditions of joints characterised by: Functional limitations, joint damage, restriction of movement, pain.
Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid arthritis.

Question 2

Define osteoarthritis.

Answer 2

Degenerative and progressive condition that affects synovial joints, particularly the articular cartilage and subchondral bone.

Question 3

What are some treatments for OA?

Answer 3

Heat, reduce weight, medications, surgical procedures, exercise.

Question 4

Define Rheumatoid arthritis.

Answer 4

Autoimmune disorder where there is systemic inflation and symmetrical poly arthritis.
Synovial cell hyperplasia = overproduction of synovial fluid and pannus

Question 5

What are some signs and symptoms of RA?

Answer 5

Recurrent synovitis, joint stiffness particularly in morning, loss of ROM, malaise and fatigue, muscle weakness.

Question 6

What are the goals of exercise for OA and RA?

Answer 6

Maintain or improve ROM, muscular strength and cardiorespiratory fitness.
Improve body comp.
Reduce the risk of co-morbidities.
Reduce inflammation and pain.
Prevent contractures and deformities.

Question 7

What are the considerations for exercise with OA and RA.

Answer 7

They have a reduced exercise capacity due to inactivity, intermittent exercise better than continuous.
Pain, stiffness, biomechanical inefficiency and gait abnormalities, increased metabolic cost up to 50%.
Minimise risk of pain and injury: work within ROM, footwear, avoid vigorous exercise.
Maintain neutral spine.
If pain or swelling appears or persists, decrease load on joints.
Time of day.
Medications - corticosteroids associated with bone loss and muscle atrophy.

Question 8

Define osteoporosis.

Answer 8

Skeletal disorder characterised by compromised bone strength predisposing the risk of fractures.
Increased resorption by osteoclasts.

Question 9

How can exercise help with osteoporosis.

Answer 9

Gradual increase in mechanical loading and progressive overload to increase formation of new bone.

Question 10

Exercise therapy for osteoporosis.

Answer 10

Aerobic weight bearing 40-70% VO2max, 30min/day, progression 5% per week.
Resistance 8-12reps, 1-3 sets for all major muscle groups.
Stretching 5-7 d/wk 30s per stretch or dynamic movements to increase ROM
Avoid spinal flexion

Question 11

What are the considerations for bone loading?

Answer 11

Magnitude of the load.
Create variable strain distributions throughout bone structure.
Bone responds to loading in site specific manner, focus on sites with greatest risk

Question 12

What are some exercises to avoid in osteoporosis?

Answer 12

Spinal flexion
High impact exercises
Bending, twisting or lifting.
Leg add/abduction exercises or squat with resistance
Exercises with a increased risk of falling.