The Effects of High-Intensity and Low-Intensity Cycle Ergometry in Older Adults With Knee Osteoarthritis

Abstract

Background. People with osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee experience pain and deconditioning that lead to disability. This study challenged the clinical belief that repetitive lower extremity exercise is not indicated in persons with knee OA. The effects of high-intensity and low-intensity stationary cycling on functional status, gait, overall and acute pain, and aerobic capacity were examined.

The Effects of Group Cycling on Gait and Pain-Related Disability in Individuals With Mild-to-Moderate Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Controlled Trial

“…The instructor fitted each subject to the bikes, using a standardized method, at the first class. 20 The subjects' settings on the bicycle were recorded and available at each class to ensure proper pedaling mechanics during the subsequent group cycling classes. During each class, subjects were asked to wear a Polar heart rate monitor (Polar Electro Inc, Lake Success, NY).…”

“…8 The prevalence of painful, disabling knee OA in people older than 55 years is 10%, of whom 25% are severely disabled. 20 Risk factors for knee OA include obesity, knee injury, previous knee surgery, and occupational bending and lifting. 9 Recreational exercise among middle-aged and older adults without knee OA does not appear to either protect or increase the risk of knee OA.…”

Ejercicio físico como terapia no farmacológica en la artrosis de rodilla

“…Encontramos que sólo en 5 de los artículos revisados se menciona que hacen calentamiento 9,13,34,36,40 y sólo en 4, la inclusión de una vuelta a la calma 9,34,36,40 .…”

“…Los métodos utilizados para calentar son, en su mayoría, aeróbicos, además de incluir en ocasiones estiramientos y movimientos articulares 9,13,34,36,40 . Para el enfriamiento los métodos difieren más: aplicación de frío 34 , estiramientos 9 , caminar y ejercicios de respiración 40 .…”

“…En los programas de entrenamiento aeróbico, la intensidad empleada está entre el 40 y el 75% de la reserva de la frecuencia cardíaca 36,40 . Es decir, una intensidad moderada-alta, que permitió la obtención de diferencias significativas con respecto a los valores iniciales, a pesar de que en ningún caso se programó una progresión en intensidad.…”