Physical activity considerations among people with knee and hip osteoarthritis

Physical activity, in particular low-impact aerobic activity and resistance training, is recognized as a critical component of knee and hip osteoarthritis (OA) management. Several randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews show physical activity interventions have a beneficial impact on decreasing pain and increasing physical functioning, at least over short-term periods. Low-impact aerobic activity and resistance training are now widely recommended for people with OA. Physical activity prescription for this population, however, is quite complex given the potential musculoskeletal and neuromuscular deficits that could be present at proximal and distal joints. Thus, while some people with knee and hip OA may be able to engage in the recommended levels of physical activity as defined, modification of physical activity regimens may be warranted for others. In this article, we discuss the scientific evidence regarding physical activity among persons with knee and hip OA, general considerations that s...