Benefits of physical activity for knee osteoarthritis: a brief review

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the second most prevalent health condition in community-dwelling adults 65 and older, with 27 million older Americans affected. Approximately half of community-dwelling women (54%) and men (43%) older than 65 have OA, and the percentage with symptomatic knee OA rises to more than 60% among older adults who are overweight. This article examines major risk factors for knee OA and nursing interventions to help older adults with knee OA minimize disease symptoms. Significant health benefits of physical activity for the prevention of obesity, delay of onset of physical limitation, and importance to normal joint health for older adults with OA are emphasized. Nursing recommendations for physical activity in older adults with OA are detailed. Social and environmental barriers inhibiting older adults from achieving their weight loss and exercise goals are discussed. Resources supporting physical activity in older adults with OA are provided.