Conclusion This study provides strong evidence for the effectiveness of pedometer walking interventions in increasing PA levels for patients with MSDs .
Our findings suggest that a combination of interventions is likely to be the most effective strategy to maximize health benefits in the short term .
Background Physical activity ( PA ) plays an important role in the prevention and management of a number of chronic conditions .
Aim : to investigate the evidence for effectiveness of pedometer-driven walking programs to promote physical activity among patients with musculoskeletal disorders ( MSDs ) .
Efficacy of a progressive walking program and glucosamine sulphate supplementation on osteoarthritic symptoms of the hip and knee: a feasibility trial
Introduction Management of osteoarthritis ( OA ) includes the use of non-pharmacological and pharmacological therapies . Although walking is commonly recommended for reducing pain and increasing physical function in people with OA , glucosamine sulphate has also been used to alleviate pain and slow the progression of OA . This study evaluated the effects of a progressive walking program and glucosamine sulphate intake on OA symptoms and physical activity participation in people with mild to moderate hip or knee OA . Methods Thirty-six low active participants ( aged 42 to 73 years ) were provided with 1500 mg glucosamine sulphate per day for 6 weeks , after which they began a 12-week progressive walking program , while continuing to take glucosamine . They were r and omized to walk 3 or 5 days per week and given a pedometer to monitor step counts . For both groups , step level of walking was gradually increased to 3000 steps/day during the first 6 weeks of walking , and to 6000 steps/day for the next 6 weeks . Primary outcomes included physical activity levels , physical function ( self-paced step test ) , and the WOMAC Osteoarthritis Index for pain , stiffness and physical function . Assessment s were conducted at baseline and at 6- , 12- , 18- , and 24-week follow-ups . The Mann Whitney Test was used to examine differences in outcome measures between groups at each assessment , and the Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test was used to examine differences in outcome measures between assessment s. Results During the first 6 weeks of the study ( glucosamine supplementation only ) , physical activity levels , physical function , and total WOMAC scores improved ( P < 0.05 ) . Between the start of the walking program ( Week 6 ) and the final follow-up ( Week 24 ) , further improvements were seen in these outcomes ( P < 0.05 ) although most improvements were seen between Weeks 6 and 12 . No significant differences were found between walking groups . Conclusions In people with hip or knee OA , walking a minimum of 3000 steps ( ~30 minutes ) , at least 3 days/week , in combination with glucosamine sulphate , may reduce OA symptoms . A more robust study with a larger sample is needed to support these preliminary findings .Trial Registration Australian Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN012607000159459
Conclusion This study provides strong evidence for the effectiveness of pedometer walking interventions in increasing PA levels for patients with MSDs .
Our findings suggest that a combination of interventions is likely to be the most effective strategy to maximize health benefits in the short term .
Background Physical activity ( PA ) plays an important role in the prevention and management of a number of chronic conditions .
Aim : to investigate the evidence for effectiveness of pedometer-driven walking programs to promote physical activity among patients with musculoskeletal disorders ( MSDs ) .