Physical Activities in the Treatment of Osteoarthritis

Physical Activities in the Treatment of Osteoarthritis: A Narrative Literature Review.
 By: Adriano Barros de Aguiar Leonardi
 Institution: Leonardi Sports Medicine, a single-member simple partnership.

 Osteoarthritis (OA) is considered the most common form of joint disease. It is a slowly progressive and disabling joint disorder that significantly reduces the quality of life (QoL) of millions of people. It is more prevalent in women and is caused by multiple factors that contribute to the progression of OA, such as aging, obesity, and lack of physical exercise. OA treatments range from lifestyle changes and exercise to pharmacological and surgical treatments. This narrative literature review aims to highlight the importance of physical activity in the treatment of OA. Physical activities were divided into three training areas: flexibility, strengthening, and endurance. Flexibility involves stretching muscles to the point of discomfort, ultimately improving the joint, while strengthening the muscles around the affected joint and helping to stabilize the joint. In individuals with knee OA, quadriceps strengthening should be encouraged to help eliminate pain and stress in the knee. Endurance is achieved through regular aerobic exercise, such as walking, swimming, or stationary cycling. Individuals who lead a sedentary lifestyle may need to begin with strength and flexibility training and/or aquatic programs before starting any land-based aerobic exercise training. Physical activity is a promising treatment for strengthening, improving flexibility and endurance, and restoring patients' activities of daily living.