Video-based home exercise can minimize osteoarthritis pain, improve mobility

February 8, 2012-- The benefits of exercise in minimizing pain and improving mobility for individuals living with osteoarthritis has been well documented.

In a new study presented today at the 2012 Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), 107 individuals with diagnosed osteoarthritis in the knee were randomized to either a DVD-based exercise group, or a control group.

The "DVD" group received a DVD-based exercise program, as well as verbal and hands-on exercise instructions, for the first four to eight weeks. The individuals in both groups were evaluated at three, six and 12 months.

Participants in the exercise group reportedly exercised 5.3, 5.0 and 3.8 times per week at three, six and 12 month intervals.

The improvements in pain and physical function were significantly greater in the DVD group than the control group at all intervals. However, there were no significant differences between the two groups in osteoarthritis progression.

Video-based home exercise programs can enhance adherence to a prescribed exercise program, can reduce pain, improve physical function, and improve life quality in patients living with knee osteoarthritis.

About the AAOS

With more than 37,000 members, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, (www.aaos.org) or (www.orthoinfo.org) is the premier not-for-profit organization that provides education programs for orthopaedic surgeons and allied health professionals, champions the interests of patients and advances the highest quality of musculoskeletal health.

Orthopaedic surgeons and the Academy are the authoritative sources of information for patients and the general public on musculoskeletal conditions, treatments and related issues.

An advocate for improved care, the Academy is participating in the Bone and Joint Initiative (www.usbjd.org), the global initiative to raise awareness of musculoskeletal health, stimulate research and improve people's quality of life. The Academy's 2012 Annual Meeting is being held February 7 - 11, 2012 at the San Francisco Moscone Center in San Francisco (www.aaos-annualmeeting-presskit.org).