Activation to self-management and exercise in overweight and obese older women with knee osteoarthritis

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) affects approximately 1 in 10 adults in the United States, with higher prevalence in women, aggravated by increased weight. This quasi-experimental pilot study implemented an online self-management (SM) program for older overweight and obese women with knee OA combined with a two-arm progressive exercise trial (walking and stepping groups). After the 10-week intervention using an interprofessional approach, activation to SM scores were significantly higher in all participants (N = 16) and between groups, with a higher increase in the stepping group. Those with higher activation scores pre-intervention obtained higher scores post-intervention. Activation levels also increased significantly among all participants with majority at the highest activation level. Follow-up data at 6 weeks and 6 months showed sustained SM and health-directed behaviors. These findings, although preliminary, highlight the value of combined SM and progressive exercise intervention using an interprofessional approach. Further investigations are essential toward potential practice and policy changes.