Aquatic Exercise Program for Knee Osteoarthritis

The aim of PICO study is to design an aquatic exercise program specific for obese individuals with knee osteoarthritis which the main goals are OA symptoms management and the improvement of physical fitness. The author\'s opinion is that the musculoskeletal pain is the main constraint for any kind of mobility and its control should be considered as an important goal in the weight management\'s programs. Therefore the PICO project proposes an aquatic exercise program to controlling pain and other symptoms management, showing that it is possible to live with the disease, and motivating the change in lifestyle, thus preventing the installation or worsening of KOA. In this way, five hypotheses were formulated: H1. 3 months of aquatic exercise is enough to improve KOA symptoms and functionality in obese individuals; H2. The gait parameters of obese individuals with KOA can be improved by aquatic exercise; H3. Beyond the exercises skills, aquatic exercise group classes can work with an educational component, promoting lifestyles changes. H4: Pain reduction and a better psychological status can lead an increase of functionally, increasing amount of physical activity. H5: Even if the main goal is not weight management, the aquatic exercise program can lead a weight reduction or body composition change.