Effectiveness and Cost-Efficiency of Aquatic Exercise for Management of Osteoarthritis

Effectiveness and Cost-Efficiency of Aquatic Exercise for Management of Osteoarthritis

The purpose of this study was to estimate the cost and outcomes of the Arthritis Foundation aquatic exercise classes.

• DESIGN. Randomized trial of 20-week aquatic classes.
• SUBJECTS AND METHODS. Recruited 249 adults from Washington State aged 55 to 75 with a doctor-confirmed diagnosis of osteoarthritis
• MEAURES. The Quality of Well-Being Scale (QWB), Current Health Desirability Rating (CHDR), Health Assessment Questionnaire(HAQ), Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression Scale (CES-D), Perceived Quality of Life Scale (PQOL)

Inclusion Criteria:

• Clinically confirmed diagnosis of osteoarthritis from a physician
• Aged 55 to 75
• Not currently exercising, defined as engaging in an average of less than 60 minutes of exercise/week during the last month
• Permission of the subject's primary physician to participate in the aquatic class
• Not currently enrolled in another medical study
• Not scheduled for joint replacement surgery during the study period
• Living in an area where Arthritis Foundation aquatic programs were offered
• Willingness to be randomized and to commit to the 5-month study period