Journal of the American Geriatrics Society

Long-Term Exercise and its Effect on Balance in Older, Osteoarthritic Adults: Results from the Fitness, Arthritis, and Seniors Trial (FAST)

Corresponding Author

Stephen P. Messier PhD

J.B. Snow Biomechanics Laboratory, Department of Health and Exercise Science, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, North Carolina

J.B. Snow Biomechanics Laboratory, Dept. of Health & Exercise Science, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC 27109.Search for more papers by this author

Todd D. Royer MS,

Todd D. Royer MS

J.B. Snow Biomechanics Laboratory, Department of Health and Exercise Science, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, North Carolina

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Timothy E. Craven MS,

Timothy E. Craven MS

Department of Public Health Sciences, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina

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Mary L. O'Toole PhD,

Mary L. O'Toole PhD

J.B. Snow Biomechanics Laboratory, Department of Health and Exercise Science, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, North Carolina

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Robert Burns MD,

Robert Burns MD

Department of Internal Medicine and ‡Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of Tennessee, Memphis, Tennessee

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Walter H. Ettinger MD,

Walter H. Ettinger MD

Jr.

Department of Internal Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina

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Stephen P. Messier PhD,

Corresponding Author

Stephen P. Messier PhD

J.B. Snow Biomechanics Laboratory, Department of Health and Exercise Science, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, North Carolina

J.B. Snow Biomechanics Laboratory, Dept. of Health & Exercise Science, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC 27109.Search for more papers by this author

Todd D. Royer MS,

Todd D. Royer MS

J.B. Snow Biomechanics Laboratory, Department of Health and Exercise Science, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, North Carolina

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Timothy E. Craven MS,

Timothy E. Craven MS

Department of Public Health Sciences, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina

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Mary L. O'Toole PhD,

Mary L. O'Toole PhD

J.B. Snow Biomechanics Laboratory, Department of Health and Exercise Science, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, North Carolina

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Robert Burns MD,

Robert Burns MD

Department of Internal Medicine and ‡Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of Tennessee, Memphis, Tennessee

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Walter H. Ettinger MD,

Walter H. Ettinger MD

Jr.

Department of Internal Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina

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First published: 27 April 2015

https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1532-5415.2000.tb03903.x

Citations: 147

Support for this study was provided by Grants P60 AG 10484–01, 5P60 AG10484–07, and the GCRC: M01-RR00211 from the National Institute of Aging

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Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To examine the effects of 18-month aerobic walking and strength training programs on static postural stability among older adults with knee osteoarthritis.

DESIGN: Randomized, single-blind, clinical trial of therapeutic exercise.

SETTING: Both center-based (university) and home-based.

PARTICIPANTS: A cohort of 103 older adults (age = 60 years) with knee osteoarthritis who were participants in a large (n = 439) clinical trial and who were randomly assigned to undergo biomechanical testing.

INTERVENTION: An 18-month center- (3 months) and home-based (15 months) therapeutic exercise program. The subjects were randomized to one of three treatment arms: (1) aerobic walking; (2) health education control; or (3) weight training.

MEASUREMENTS: Force platform static balance measures of average length (Rm) of the center of pressure (COP), average velocity (Vel) of the COP, elliptical area (Ae) of the COP, and balance time (T). Measures were made under four conditions: eyes open, double- and single-leg stances and eyes closed, double- and single-leg stances.

RESULTS: In the eyes closed, double-leg stance condition, both the aerobic and weight training groups demonstrated significantly better sway measures relative to the health education group. The aerobic group also demonstrated better balance in the eyes open, single-leg stance condition.

CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that long-term weight training and aerobic walking programs significantly improve postural sway in older, osteoarthritic adults, thereby decreasing the likelihood of larger postural sway disturbances relative to a control group. J Am Geriatr Soc 48: 131–138, 2000.

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Volume48, Issue2

February 2000

Pages 131-138

Long-Term Exercise and its Effect on Balance in Older, Osteoarthritic Adults: Results from the Fitness, Arthritis, and Seniors Trial (FAST)

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Long-Term Exercise and its Effect on Balance in Older, Osteoarthritic Adults: Results from the Fitness, Arthritis, and Seniors Trial (FAST)

Abstract

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