At present, aging and increased life expectancy implies a greater susceptibility to dependence, which then leads to the irreversible loss of quality of life, in many cases due to chronic diseases such as osteoarthritis (OA). The aim of this study was to determine the effect of a treatment based on aerobic exercise in institutionalised elderly people diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis.
An experimental, prospective, single blind study was conducted. The sample (n=31), was divided into two groups. The experimental group (n=17) was treated based on aerobic exercise for 4 weeks with 2 sessions per week and each lasting 50minutes. We conducted a pre-test and post-test assessment using a visual analogue scale, WOMAC questionnaire and SF-36 as measuring instruments. The statistical program SPSS15.0 was used for the analysis of the data.
We obtained significant differences in the t-test for paired samples in the three dimensions of the WOMAC questionnaire, P<.001, in the perceived pain P<.001 and in the physical function, vitality and mental health dimensions of the SF-36 with a 95% confidence interval.
Exercise gave positive results in functional (pain, stiffness, physical function) and psychological aspects (mental health and vitality) in the institutionalised elderly.