Managing arthritis with exercise.

Almost half of all older adults have arthritis, either degenerative or inflammatory. Regular exercise is an important therapeutic intervention for all types of arthritis. Specifically, regular exercise can prevent deconditioning of the muscles, keep the joints stable, improve joint function and flexibility, decrease pain, enhance aerobic fitness, improve balance, and decrease falls. A comprehensive exercise program should include stretching exercises followed by a range-of-motion program for joints, muscle strengthening, and aerobic exercise, if possible. Unfortunately, despite these known benefits, most older adults with arthritis do not engage in regular exercise. The Seven Step Approach was developed to provide a practical framework to help overcome barriers and improve exercise activity in older adults with arthritis.