Abstract
Introduction People with long-term musculoskeletal conditions such as osteoarthritis are increasing in prevalence, are significantly more likely to be less active than adults without arthritis and are at increased risk of either having or developing further co- morbidity. More than half of adults with arthritis undertake minimal/little walking per week. Walking is popular and can substantially lower the risk of many chronic diseases. This review aims to summarise the available literature regarding the role of walking programmes for people with osteoarthritis. Materials and methods PUBMED and the Cochrane library searches were performed to locate articles. Key terms used in PUBMED searches included ‘walking program*’, ‘physical activit*’ and ‘osteoarthritis’ whilst Cochrane searches included the same search terms without truncation and also by browsing records under ‘osteoarthritis’. Searches were performed in English. Reference lists of identified articles were checked to identify further articles for the review. Results Seven studies were identified and included: three randomised clinical trials, two pilot or feasibility studies (one uncontrolled) and two quasi- experimental studies. The study characteristics, including participants, interventions, outcomes and summarised findings, are presented. The theoretical rationales, content and dosages showed wide variation. Compliance rates decreased over time. Attrition rates ranged from 10% to 47%. Conclusion Limited evidence currently suggests that walking programmes can safely improve pain and quality of life. Programmes improve function and quadriceps strength in the short term and may have a role in weight management. Short-term improvements in function may not be maintained in the longer term. Such programmes can offer an inexpensive, accessible, flexible treatment and self-management option; however many treatment parameters require further investigation.
Highlights
People with long-term musculoskeletal conditions such as osteoarthritis are increasing in prevalence[2], are significantly more likely to be less active than adults without arthritis[3] and are at increased risk of either having or developing further co-morbidity
The presented rationales to facilitate changes in physical activity are understandably less explicitly presented in earlier studies, unable to draw upon more recent research findings regarding effective strategies to alter behaviours amongst people with osteoarthritis
The ‘YOU can break the pain cycle’ 90-min arthritis pain management presentation aimed to instil the belief that individuals can manage their arthritis and increase utilisation of Arthritis Foundation resources
Summary
People with long-term musculoskeletal conditions such as osteoarthritis are increasing in prevalence, are significantly more likely to be less active than adults without arthritis and are at increased risk of either having or developing further co-m orbidity. People with long-term musculoskeletal conditions such as osteoarthritis are increasing in prevalence[2], are significantly more likely to be less active than adults without arthritis[3] and are at increased risk of either having or developing further co-morbidity. Current guidance recommends achieving 30 min of moderate physical activity on five or more days per week[5], with an acceptance that ‘some physical activity is better than none’[6] These 30 min can be performed in several bouts of moderate activity, each lasting at least 10 min[5]. The definition of arthritis used in this research includes conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia, these figures remain concerning
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
