A Comparison Between GLA:D Canada and an Individualized JointEffort Exercise Program in Knee Osteoarthritis Patients

The GLA:D® program consists of 1) pre- and post-program outcome measurement (self-reported and functional outcomes); 2) 2, 1-1.5 hour education sessions including information on OA disease characteristics, treatments and self-help strategies; and 3) a neuromuscular exercise (warm-up, circuit training, and cool down) training program administered in 1 hour, small (up to 10 persons) group-based, supervised sessions twice weekly for 6 weeks. The goal of the exercises is to restore neutral, functional alignment of the legs by building compensatory functional stability and improving sensorimotor control.

The JointEffort program consists of: 1) one appointment aimed at individualized program design (1-1.5 hours); 2) a nutritional seminar taught by a registered dietician explaining dietary recommendations for OA patients and inflammatory conditions, including weight loss and/or management (1 hours); and 3) an individualized exercise (strength and neuromuscular training, balance training, and range of motion exercises) training program administered in 1 hour, small (up to 10 persons) group-based, supervised sessions twice weekly for 6 weeks.