CDC - Arthritis - Physical Activity for Arthritis - Overview

CDC - Arthritis - Physical Activity for Arthritis - Overview: "Physical Activity and Arthritis
Physical activity. The Arthritis Pain Reliever.

Long gone are the days when health care providers told people with arthritis to “rest their joints.” In fact, physical activity can reduce pain and improve function, mobility, mood, and quality of life for most adults with many types of arthritis including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, and lupus. Physical activity can also help people with arthritis manage other chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and obesity. Most people with arthritis can safely participate in a self-directed physical activity program or join one of many programs available in communities across the country. Some people may benefit from physical or occupational therapy. A 2-page fact sheet summarizing physical activity for people with arthritis is available.

To learn more about the types and amounts of physical activity recommended for people with arthritis, click on the links below:

What are the benefits of physical activity for adults with arthritis?

Regular physical activity is just as important for people with arthritis or other rheumatic conditions as it is for all children and adults. Scientific studies have shown that participation in moderate-intensity, low-impact physical activity improves pain, function, mood, and quality of life without worsening symptoms or disease severity. Being physically active can also delay the onset of disability if you have arthritis. But people with arthritis may have a difficult time being physically active because of symptoms (e.g., pain, stiffness), their lack of confidence in knowing how much and what to do, and unclear expectations of when they will see benefits. Both aerobic and muscle strengthening activities are proven to work well, and both are recommended for people with arthritis.

Public health agencies support physical activity as a self-management strategy for adults with arthritis. On October 7, 2008, the Department of Health and Human Services released the new 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans. The Guidelines are based on the most up-to-date science regarding the health benefits of a physically active lifestyle. These Guidelines, the first ever issued by the federal government, pertain to people of all ages and abilities including persons with chronic conditions such as arthritis. On February 4, 2010, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Arthritis Foundation released A National Public Health Agenda for Osteoarthritis which is a public health plan to address the most common type of arthritis. The Agenda lists physical activity as a priority intervention to improve arthritis symptoms and prevent arthritis-related limitations in activity. In addition to public health agencies promoting physical activity to manage arthritis, the American College of Rheumatology also recommends physical activity for almost all forms of arthritis.

* Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans ►Physical Activity Guidelines: "- Enviado mediante la barra Google"
* A National Public Health Agenda for Osteoarthritis Adobe PDF file [PDF - 3.44MB] ► http://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/docs/OAagenda.pdf
* American College of Rheumatology treatment guidelines ►Practice Guidelines: "- Enviado mediante la barra Google"
* For a scientific summary on the health benefits of physical activity for adults with arthritis see Chapter G5 of the Physical Activity Guidelines Advisory Committee Final Report ►Advisory Committee Report - G5. Musculoskeletal Health: "- Enviado mediante la barra Google"


Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans

Adults with arthritis should follow either the Active Adult or Active Older Adult Guidelines, whichever meets your personal health goals and matches your abilities. People with arthritis should also include daily flexibility exercises to maintain proper joint range of motion and do balance exercises if they are at risk of falling.

If you are younger than age 65, have normal function and no limitations in your usual activities, and do not have any other severe chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, or cancer you should follow the Active Adult recommendations.

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CDC - Arthritis - Physical Activity for Arthritis - Overview: "Physical Activity and Arthritis
Physical activity. The Arthritis Pain Reliever.- Enviado mediante la barra Google"