?? Exploring Osteoarthritis and Exercise: A Journey through Research and Practice

I have had chance to chat with great guests on the Physical Activity Researcher Podcast. In this blog post, I am summarizing the discussions with Prof. Soren Thorgaard, focusing on his extensive research in Osteoarthritis and the impact of exercise.

?? Osteoarthritis: Exercise vs. Surgery

Prof. Thorgaard has dedicated over a decade to researching Osteoarthritis, particularly examining exercise as a non-surgical treatment. His findings emphasize the effectiveness of exercise in managing pain and improving joint function, compared to opting for knee replacement surgeries. The key takeaway is the potential of exercise as an initial treatment option before considering surgical interventions.

?? Whole-Body Approach to Osteoarthritis

A profound insight from our discussion was the understanding of Osteoarthritis as a whole-joint or whole-body disease. Prof. Thorgaard highlighted the significance of muscle strength, proprioception, inflammation, and psychological factors in pain management. He advocates for a comprehensive treatment plan that focuses beyond specific joint structures, incorporating various exercise forms like aerobic, neuromuscular, and aquatic exercises.

?? Accessible and Preference-Based Exercise

The conversation underscored the need for making exercise accessible and aligning it with individual preferences. Prof. Thorgaard suggested innovative approaches like aquatic exercises for pain mitigation and preference-based exercise programs for sustainable physical activity. He also stressed the importance of educating healthcare providers to integrate exercise into routine care.

?? Implementing Exercise in Healthcare

An intriguing point raised was the disparity in healthcare systems, where surgeries are often prioritized over exercise therapies due to cost and accessibility factors. Prof. Thorgaard called for systemic changes to provide equal access to exercise therapies, reinforcing their cost-effectiveness and health benefits compared to surgical options.

?? The Role of Technology in Exercise Promotion

Our discussion also ventured into the realm of digital health, exploring the development and potential of health apps. The focus was on multidisciplinary collaboration and user-centric app designs to create effective digital health tools. Prof. Thorgaard emphasized the need for quality apps that genuinely promote behavioral change in physical activity.

?? A Call for Collaboration and Research

As we wrapped up our insightful discussion, Prof. Thorgaard extended an invitation for collaborations in the field of physical activity and Osteoarthritis research. He encouraged aspiring researchers to build networks, form multidisciplinary teams, and seek mentorship and guidance for successful research endeavors.

?? Listen to the Full Conversation

For an in-depth understanding of Osteoarthritis, exercise interventions, and the nuances of healthcare and research in this field, listen to the full episode with Prof. Soren Thorgaard on the Physical Activity Researcher Podcast.

Physical Activity Researcher Podcast is the source of the latest research findings on all things related to physical activity, exercise, and health. It has over 400 episodes with world-leading experts, so you will find many interesting episodes. Check out the podcast here: https://paresearcher.podbean.com/

#Osteoarthritis #ExerciseScience #HealthcareInnovation #PhysicalActivityResearch #DigitalHealth