A randomised controlled trial on the effects of Aqua Aerobics on improving the falls risk and physical function in older adults with lower extremity osteoarthirits

Status

Completed

Phases

Unknown

Study type

Interventional

Source

ANZCTR

Registry ID

ACTRN12609000147280

Enrollment

Registered

2009-03-12

Start date

2009-03-18

Completion date

2010-06-16

Last updated

2020-01-13

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

None listed

Brief summary

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis, presenting in almost half of all people over the age of 60 and nearly all people over the age of 80. Lower extremity osteoarthritis in older adults is associated with functional losses, reduced daily physical activity and increased falls risk. Public health exercise programmes aimed at reducing falls risk in older adults are provided in New Zealand but are land-based, and potentially aggravate the signs and symptoms associated with arthritis. Aqua aerobics may be a suitable alternative form of fall prevention exercise for older adults with OA at risk of falling. This randomised control trial with six month follow-up will investigate whether a twelve week, twice weekly aqua aerobics programme decreases falls risk and improves measures of gait, balance and physical function in older adults with osteoarthritis who have a heightened risk of falling.

Interventions

Aqua aerobics, 60 minute sessions, twice weekly for 12 weeks. The aqua aerobics sessions will comprise activities standing and walking in the pool that challenge balance strategies and increase the strength of the lower limbs.

Study design

Allocation

Randomised controlled trial

Intervention model

Parallel

Primary purpose

Treatment

Masking

Blinded (masking used)

Eligibility

Sex/Gender

All

Age

65 Years to No maximum

Healthy volunteers

Inclusion criteria

- Over the age of 65 years (55 years +Maori/Pacific) - At least one risk factor for falls as assessed by the Falls Risk Assessment Tool (FRAT). - Osteoarthritis of the lower limb will be determined, using Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index score (WOMAC),14 by clinical criteria, PAIN: "mild" on 2 items or "moderate" on 1 item; PHYSICAL FUNCTION: "mild" difficulty in 4 items or "moderate" difficulty in 2 items. - All participants will require general practitioner medical clearance.

Exclusion criteria

- Unable to ambulate independently - Chronic medical condition that would limit participation in moderate intensity exercise - Severe cognitive limitations (as determined by the telephone Mini-Mental State Examination) - Hip or knee replacement in the past 6 months - Current participation in an exercise programme aimed at improving strength and balance.

Outcome results