According to a recent study, “low-impact exercise program is improving quality of life for many older adults with arthritis and other musculoskeletal conditions. The program, offered by Hospital for Special Surgery, has helped decrease pain, improve mobility and enhance the overall health of many participants.”

The article continues, ”

The study, titled, “The Effectiveness of a Low-Impact Exercise Program on Musculoskeletal Health of Asian Older Adults,” will be presented at the American College of Rheumatology/Association of Rheumatology Health Professionals annual meeting on November 9 in San Francisco. ‘Getting seniors to be active in any way will generally improve their quality of life and help them function better in their everyday activities,’ said Linda Russell, MD, a rheumatologist and chair of the Public and Patient Education Advisory Committee at Hospital for Special Surgery. ‘People believe that if you have arthritis you shouldn’t exercise, but appropriate exercises actually help decrease pain.’ ”

The study presented the following:

In terms of mobility and function, after completing the program:

• 88% more participants could climb several flights of stairs
• 66% more participants could lift/carry groceries
• 63% more participants could bend, kneel, or stoop
• 91% of participants felt the program reduced their fatigue
• 97% of participants felt that the program reduced their stiffness
• 95% of participants felt their balance improved
• 96% of participants felt more confident that exercising would not make their symptoms worse

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Hospital for Special Surgery. “Exercise program in senior centers helps decrease participants’ pain and improve mobility.” ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 7 November 2015. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/11/151107172746.htm>.