Article

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the efficacy of a water-based exercise program
specifically targeting balance to reduce falls risk and improve measures of
balance and physical function in older adults with osteoarthritis (OA). DESIGN:
Randomized controlled trial. PARTICIPANTS: Persons (N=39;
mean+/-SD age, 74+/-6y; 26 women) with mild to moderate OA and at risk for
falling met study criteria, were measured at baseline, and were randomly assigned
to the intervention (n=23) and control groups (n=16). INTERVENTIONS: Water-based
program (12wk, twice weekly; intervention group) or a time-matched computer
training program (control group). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE:
The primary outcome was
the short-form Physiological Profile Assessment (PPA). Secondary outcomes
included the Step Test, Timed Up and Go Test, Western Ontario and McMaster
Universities OA Index (Likert 3.0 version), Arthritis Impact Measurement Scales
2, and Activity-specific Balance Confidence Scale. RESULTS: No statistically
significant between-group differences were found for any outcome measured (n=35;
4 lost to follow-up). Within-group analysis indicated that Step Test results
improved significantly in both groups (mean change: control group, left leg,
2.07; 95% confidence interval, 3.19-.95; P=.002; intervention group, 2.14; 95%
confidence interval, 3.20-1.08; P=.000). Two PPA item scores (reaction time,
contrast sensitivity) improved significantly (86.83; 95% confidence interval,
9.86-163.79; P=.03; 1.43; 95% confidence interval, 2.35-.50; P=.005,
respectively) in the control group, resulting in a lower falls risk score.
CONCLUSIONS: Water-based exercise did not reduce falls risk in our sample
compared with attending a computer skills training class. Our study is, to our
knowledge, the first to compare water-based exercise in this population with a
control group that attended a time-dose-equivalent seated community-based
activity. Whether gaining computer skills and going out into the community twice
weekly is adequate stimulus to reduce falls risk in people with OA requires
further investigation.
CI - Copyright (c) 2012 American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine. Published by
Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS