More Physical Activity Counseling Urged

The researchers conclude their paper by suggesting that exercise counseling should be added to both clinical training curriculum and continuing medical education. In addition, they suggest that healthcare providers receive a program that would help them identify patients with arthritis who are inactive. Providers can then refer these patients to evidence-based community programs. Finally, the authors point physicians to the Exercise Is Medicine Initiative, which works to make the scientifically proven benefits of physical activity recognized in healthcare systems around the world.

Lara C. Pullen, PhD, is a medical writer based in the Chicago area.

References

1. American College of Rheumatology. 2018 American College of Rheumatology guideline for the pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic management of osteoarthritis of the hand, hip and knee. 2018.
2. U.S. Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. Physical activity guidelines. 2018 Feb.
3. Hootman JM, Murphy LB, Omura JD, et al. Health care provider counseling for physical activity or exercise among adults with arthritis—United States, 2002 and 2014. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2018 Jan 5;66(5152):1398–1401. doi: 10.15585/mmwr.mm665152a2.