Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common chronic disease in the United States (U.S.). Arthritis is a leading chronic illness among older adults in the U.S. Approximately 40% of individuals above 60 yr of age have OA of the knee. The primary objective of the proposed study is to determine whether individuals who are overweight with OA of the knee and who complete a 24-week home-based exercise program combined with a weight control intervention program will report significantly less pain (as measured by the WOMAC) than volunteers who participate in home-based exercise (Ex) only, weight control intervention (WC) only, or standard clinical care (C). The secondary objectives of the proposed research are to determine whether overweight individuals with OA of the knee who complete the Ex+WC program, when compared to subjects who are randomly assigned to a E, WC or C groups, demonstrate significant improvement in the following health risk profile variables: (a) improved physical function (measured by the Functional Performance Inventory), (b) improved capacity to perform stair climbing and descending, (c) improved strength, (d) increased lean body mass, (e) increase in physical activity at home (measured by pedometer step count). The proposed clinical trial will utilize a prospective, randomized two by two factorial design. Descriptive and ancova statistical method will be applied for data analyses.
