Chapter 2: MEDICAL ASPECTS Exercise can assist with ankylosing spondylitis by slowing the fusion process. Keeping the joints mobile while including strengthening activities can provide support for the effected joints as well as maintain functional movement (van den Berg, et al., 2012). BURSITIS/TENDINITIS Inflammation of a bursa or tendon. It occurs most commonly in the shoulder, elbow, hip and knee. Including gentle, pain-free stretching and range of motion activities may alleviate pain associated with bursitis and tendonitis while assuring muscle balance and strengthening the surrounding muscles will support joint function (Littlewood, et al., 2012; Scott, et al., 2013). FIBROMYALGIA (fye-bro-my-AL-ja) A syndrome characterized by pain, fatigue and tender points within the muscles, without joint involvement or active inflammation. This condition may occur in association with many types of arthritis. A short-lasting increase in pain threshold commonly results from exercise while improving fatigue levels and sleep disturbances commonly associated with fibromyalgia (Reimers & Reimers, 2012; Russell, et al., 2014). GOUT A form of arthritis most commonly seen in adult males. Gout occurs when urate crystals accumulate in the joint, causing inflammation and intense pain. Urate crystals form when the level of uric acid is elevated. Gradually reaching, and then maintaining, optimal weight is recommended for individuals who experience gout. Exercise can assist in these efforts (Whittaker, C., 2012). INFECTIOUS ARTHRITIS A form of joint inflammation in a single joint, caused by a bacterium, a virus or a fungus. There is usually only one joint involved, though sometimes two or three joints can become infected. It can cause severe joint damage. Exercises performed with the affected joint in its optimal position can reduce deformities and maintain muscle strength (Garcia-Arias, et al., 2011). JUVENILE RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS (JRA) A systemic disease of joint inflammation in children that may involve one or multiple joints. Some children have a mild form of arthritis affecting only a few joints that does not continue into adult life. Other children have a more severe form that resembles adult rheumatoid arthritis. Adolescents with JRA typically do not participate in as much physical activity as their healthy counterparts due to the pain and functional decline associated with the disease. Exercise can assist in improving bone and muscle mass, as well as reducing pain and improving quality of life (Tucker, et al., 2014; Sandstedt, et al., 2013) OSTEOPOROSIS (ahs-tee-oh-pore-OH-sis) A disease that causes bones to lose mass and break easily. Osteoporosis means bone (osteo) that is porous (porosis). Any type of exercise has been noted to reduce loss of bone mass. However, weight- bearing activities have been shown to increase bone density as well as prevent the onset of osteoporosis in both men and women (Palombaro, et al., 2013; Bolam, et al., 2013.) POLYMYOSITIS (pahl-ee-my-oh-SI-tis) An inflammatory condition of muscles. The most common symptom is muscle weakness in the hips and shoulders. It may occur alone or in association with other rheumatic diseases. AEA Arthritis Foundation Program Leader: A Training Guide for Exercise & Aquatic Programming 15
