Osteoarthritis: New Perspectives

Response to commentary on: ‘A systematic review to determine the optimal type and dosage of land-based exercises for treating knee osteoarthritis’

“…7-9 Accordingly, adherence is considered paramount in determining the long-term outcome of exercise. 10 Exercise adherence is regarded as the principal predictor of long-term outcome for people with knee or hip osteoarthritis. 11 However, the UK's National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines on the management of people with knee osteoarthritis 12 emphasized that exercise adherence in this population is generally poor.…”

“…14 Factors such as patient's demographic characteristics, characteristics of the treatment regime, relationship between health-care providers and patients, the features of the disease, and the environment in which the intervention is delivered have all been implicated as factors associated with the maintenance of treatment adherence. 10,15,16 There is therefore overwhelming evidence that adherence is a major barrier to the potential clinical benefits that may be gained from exercise. Accordingly, Golightly and Allen's 1 recommendation that the identification of strategies, which may improve exercise adherence in people with osteoarthritis, would be a valuable avenue for further study is supported.…”