The Role of Physical Activity as Conservative Treatment for Hip and Knee Osteoarthritis in Older People: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Author: Zampogna B1, Papalia R1, Papalia GF1, Campi S1, Vasta S1, Vorini F1, Fossati C2, Torre G1, Denaro V1
Affiliation: <sup>1</sup>Department of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, 00128 Rome, Italy. <sup>2</sup>Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome "Foro Italico", 00100 Rome, Italy.
Conference/Journal: J Clin Med.
Date published: 2020 Apr 18
Other: Volume ID: 9 , Issue ID: 4 , Special Notes: doi: 10.3390/jcm9041167. , Word Count: 223


: The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to determine the role of physical activity as a conservative treatment for older people with knee or hip osteoarthritis. The effect on pain, physical function, stiffness, quality of life, and dynamic balance of Aquatic Exercise, Land-based Exercise, and Sports were compared in a specific population composed of osteoarthritic patients aged 65 or over. A systematic search using Pubmed-Medline, Google Scholar, and the Cochrane Library was carried out to select randomized clinical trials, observational studies, or case series that evaluated outcome measures after physical activity. Twenty randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and two case series were included in this review. Four trials were at low risk of bias (A), 12 at unclear risk of bias (B), and four at high risk of bias (C). Compared to controls, Aquatic Exercise, Land-based Exercise, Tai Chi, and Yoga showed a small to high effect for improving pain, physical function, quality of life, and stiffness. Active exercise and sport are effective to improve pain and physical function in elderly people with osteoarthritis. Nevertheless, further studies are required to validate the use of land-based exercise, aquatic exercise, or sport to treat the symptoms of older adults that suffer from knee and hip osteoarthritis.

KEYWORDS: active exercise; aquatic; knee or hip osteoarthritis; land-based; meta-analysis; older people; physical activity; sport; systematic review

PMID: 32325775 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9041167