Arthritis is an inflammatory that mainly affects the joints of our body’s. Arthritis is the leading cause of disability among American adults, and is also associated with significant activity limitation, reduced the quality of life, work disability, and high health-care costs. Currently an estimated 21.6% of the adult American population (46.4 million individuals) have arthritis. Two of the most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis is caused by degeneration of the cartilage within the joints. This lack of cartilage creates a wearing on the surfaces of articulating bones, then causing inflammation and pain at the joint. Some of the most commonly affected joints are in the hands, hips, spine, and knees.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a degenerative joint disease in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissue (tissue in the joint or organs, in this case). This can cause an inflammatory response in multiple joints, that lead to pain and stiffness. The condition is systemic and can affect both a variety of joints and organ systems. Joints most commonly affected by this condition include the feet, hands, wrists, and the knees. It is usually characterized by morning stiffness, sometimes more than a half hour, which can be both acute and chronic, with the eventual loss of joint integrity. It is important to understand the difference between rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, and be aware of the signs and symptoms of an acute rheumatoid arthritis exacerbation. In the presence of an arthritic flare-up, even flexibility exercises may need to be postponed. Us trainers should also monitor the progress of any clients with arthritis to assess the effects of the exercise program on joint. Pain persisting for more than one hour after exercise is an indication that the exercise should be modified or eliminated from the routine. Moreover, any exercises of higher intensity or involving high repetitions are to be avoided to decrease any aggravation. In that regard, a low-volume circuit program or multiple session format is suitable for our clients with arthritis.
Health and fitness professionals need to be aware of all the medications being taken by clients with arthritis. The clients taking oral corticosteroids, particularly over time, may have osteoporosis, increased body mass, and if there is a history of gastrointestinal bleeding, anemia. Taking steroids also increase fracture risk. The research indicates that people exhibiting osteoarthritis have a decrease in strength and also proprioception. The research has also shown that people with arthritis have a decreased ability to balance while standing and that a loss in knee-extension strength is a very strong predictor of osteoarthritis. Also, researchers have shown that patients with osteoarthritis exhibit increased muscle inhibition of knee extensors and were not able to effectively activate their knee-extensor musculature to an optimal levels. Proprioception (or balance) and muscle strength are vital components of walking, and therefore any deficit in these areas could potentially have a negative effect on the ability to perform activities of daily living and exercise. This claim was supported by a study that showed a significant decrease in dynamic balance for elderly individuals who had a history of falling.
It used to be a common practice for arthritic patients to avoid strenuous exercise; however, the research on the effects of training on the symptoms of arthritis has led to a shift in that thinking. One study had showed that a 12-week strength-training program provided some relief from arthritis symptoms, in another demonstrated that a 4-week training regimen (including proprioceptive training) decreased muscle inhibition and increased muscle strength in the patients with moderate muscle inhibition. Therefore, all individuals with arthritis are advised to participate in a regular exercise program that follows the methodology for increasing stabilization and strength, while also increasing activities of daily living. In spite of all of the risks associated with exercise in clients with arthritis, it is important in restoring functional mobility and endurance in a deconditioned client who has joint limitations secondary to arthritis. Symptoms of arthritis (such as stiffness and joint pain) are heightened through inactivity as a result of muscle atrophy and a lack of tissue flexibility.
Progressing exercises so that they are being performed in a seated position (without any support) and standing position will increase functional capacity and the balance of clients
May you be always in good health, humbly your Paul Earl.
META TITLE ARTHRITIS EXERCISE PROGRAMS-FOR HUMANS
META Description what must be taken in consideration in ARTHRITIS EXERCISE PROGRAMS