Exercise as it relates to Disease/Osteoarthritis and Resistance Training as an Intervention Strategy

This fact sheet has been written for those people suffering or affected by osteoarthritis. It provides background information of osteoarthritis and the current treatment and prevention strategies, more specifically resistance training for treatment and prevention. This fact sheet also provides details on where to find further information on osteoarthritis.

What is osteoarthritis (OA)?
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis. It is a chronic joint disorder that is the most common cause of joint pain and joint disability. It is characterised by the break down of joint cartilage that usually protects the bones joints allowing it to move freely. The joints that are more commonly affected are the spine, hands, hips and knees. In OA, the breakdown of joint cartilage leaves the bones exposed and unprotected resulting in damage that decreases the joints ability to move freely. Accompanying the loss of movement is a decreased ability to carry out daily tasks and normal living, resulting in a decreased quality of life for the individual.

What are the symptoms of OA?
The symptoms of OA can vary between sufferers. The symptoms that you experience will sometimes depend on which joints are causing you discomfort. The development of OA is a progressive disease, usually over several months or several years. Joint pain and stiffness are the most common complaints from sufferers of OA. You may experience over symptoms such as a reduction in range of movement (ROM), decrease muscle mass (muscle atrophy), joint swelling and physical disability. These symptoms may become worse when you are inactive for extended periods of time, such as driving for long periods of time.

What are the chances I develop OA?
The chances of you developing OA increases with age. Research shows 5% of the entire population below 40 are affected by OA, this increases dramatically to 10% of males and 20% of females aged 45–65 years, and then further to affect more than 50% of women aged 85 years and over. OA can not only affect you via the cost of medicines and surgery but may affect you indirectly, such as loss of income, lost productivity, pain, disability, emotional impairment, impaired social function and other health-related quality of life issues.