Community-Based Progressive Aquatic Exercise for the Management of Knee Osteoarthritis

Abstract

Background: We examined the feasibility and eectiveness of a community-based progressive aquatic exercise program for com- munity dwelling older adults, with moderate to severe knee osteoarthritis (OA). Objectives: The purposes of this study were to 1, assess the eects of a progressive aquatic exercise program on the walking ability, stair climbing ability, quadriceps muscle strength, as well as self-reported symptoms, function, and quality of life in community dwelling adults with moderate to severe knee OA and; 2, assess the feasibility of a community-based aquatic program for community dwelling adults with knee OA. Methods: Seventeen volunteers (12 women (x = 61.1 years) and 5 men (x = 69.0 years)) participated in a progressive 8 - 10 week aquatic exercise program, consisting of 20 - 24, 1-hour sessions. Outcome measures, acquired twice before beginning the exercise protocol as well as after 4 and 8 weeks of exercise, included the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis outcome score (KOOS) instrument, a 2 minute walk test (2MWT), a 10 step stair climb for time, and an isometric knee extension strength assessment. Results: Significant improvements were detected in 2 MWT, 10 step stair climb, right quadriceps isometric force development, and the KOOS symptoms and stiness subscale. Significant improvement was found on KOOS function subscales between baseline test- ing sessions and maintained at follow-up. Non-significant improvements were identified in left quadriceps isometric force devel- opment, KOOS pain, and KOOS quality of life. Conclusions: These data suggest that a community-based, progressive aquatic exercise program is feasible and results in measur- able improvements in function without worsening symptoms. Further study is warranted to investigate the impact of a longer program and the role of aquatic exercise in the long-term management of patients with knee OA.