Cost-Effectiveness of Physical Activity and Exercise Therapy Programs for Knee Osteoarthritis: Making the Case for Health Plan Coverage

There is ample evidence to show that physical activity (PA; defined as “any bodily movement produced by skeletal muscles that requires energy expenditure”) and exercise therapy (defined as “a regimen or plan of physical activities designed and prescribed for specific therapeutic goals”) improve pain, function and other key outcomes for individuals with knee ost eoarthritis (OA), yet many patients with knee OA are insufficiently active1,2. In the USA, only 61% of patients with arthritis report that a health professional “ever suggested PA or exercise” to help with joint symptoms, and referrals to specific PA or exercise therapy programs are even less co mmon3.
Source: Osteoarthritis and Cartilage - Category: Rheumatology Authors: Tags: Editorial Source Type: research