StemCell Therapy

According to Arthritis Research UK, over eight million people in the UK suffer from osteoarthritis - a condition perceived as only a disorder that affects the elderly.

A new walking programme for adults with arthritis and musculoskeletal conditions, made popular in the US, is to be trialled in the UK for the first time.

Walk With Ease was developed by the Arthritis Foundation in the US and has been shown to reduce arthritis-related symptoms such as pain, stiffness and fatigue, as well as improve strength, balance and walking pace.

The study is being funded as a joint working programme between ARUK and Pfizer Ltd, in partnership with the Chief Scientists Office of the Scottish Government and led by Dr Kathryn R Martin.

Dr Martin said: Walk With Ease has proven extremely successful in the US at reducing pain, stiffness and fatigue while improving physical functioning for those who have taken part.

We want to see if the ethos and logistics of the programme can be implemented in the UK.

This study will examine whether or not individuals with arthritis and musculoskeletal conditions living in the UK are willing to take part in such a programme and whether or not they feel it benefits them.

We are starting with Aberdeen and hope that if successful it can be rolled out across the UK.

This comes after Ruby James, 55, told Express.co.uk that exercise was the best way to reduce the symptoms of osteoarthritis.

Ruby said: I make sure I keep moving and exercising, as I always have, as I really feel that this makes my osteoarthritis more manageable.

Letters are currently being sent out from GP practices to potential participants for the six-week community-based programme.

Following an initial assessment of their mobility, participants will either receive the walking programme or a booklet outlining physical activity programmes in Aberdeen.

Those who receive the walking programme will be given a guidebook and the option to either walk with a group or on their own.

All participants will be re-assessed after six weeks and be posted a questionnaire three months later to see what effects the programme has had on them.

Some participants will also be asked to take part in an interview to discuss their experiences of being in the study.

Dr Natalie Carter, head of research liaison and evaluation at Arthritis Research UK, said: At Arthritis Research UK, we know that exercise, such as walking, can help to both prevent and improve the symptoms of arthritis.

Much more needs to be done to help support people with joint pain to stay active.

That is why our charity funds a number of studies focusing on exercise and movement, and we are pleased to be supporting the Walk With Ease study.

View original post here:
Arthritis symptoms could be eased with THIS therapy: New hope for sufferers - Express.co.uk

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