People With Osteoarthritis Benefit From Hospital-Based Exercise Programs

More nanny state medicine.

A low-cost exercise program run by Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City has significantly improved pain, function and quality of life in participants with osteoarthritis, according to new research.

The study adds to the growing evidence that exercise is beneficial for osteoarthritis and shows that a hospital-based program can work. The study will be reported at the annual meeting of the American College of Rheumatology/Association of Rheumatology Health Professionals (ACR/ARHP), to be held Nov. 9-14, in Washington D.C.

The new study showed that the weekly exercise programs significantly improved enjoyment of life and balance, and decreased pain and the severity and frequency of falls. "When participants were asked to report their level of pain severity, there were statistically significant reductions in pain from pre- to post-test. Pain is a huge factor in quality of life," said Sandra Goldsmith, director of the Public and Patient Education Department at Hospital for Special Surgery. "If we can offer classes that help to reduce pain, that is a good thing."

If it can be done in the hospital on an outpatient basis, it can be done at home at no additional cost.

Progressive medicine strikes again.

And, as usual, at the expense of the public and to the detriment of the patient.