A recent 9-month pilot randomized clinical walking trial by Loew L et al., based on a patient treatment preference promoted long-term adherence to a community-based walking program.

Although exercise always remains a maintain good health, maintaining a routine may be little difficult. However, regular walking and exercising are two most effective non-medicated treatment considered for reducing pain and functionality during osteoarthritis (OA). In OA, cartilages become damaged and worn. Exercise could rebuild the damaged cartilages and improve the condition. However, there remains a question, is participant exercising preference improving their health to the greater extent?

In this trial, a total 69 participants with knee osteoarthritis (OA) were included. Based on the Ottawa panel guidelines, the patients were categorized into two classes, supervised and unsupervised. At six months, patients from both the groups involved in the preferred choice of program exhibited significantly higher adherence to walking sessions than patients who did not obtain their preference (p=0.03). Further, after nine months, significant improvements were seen in levels of stiffness and functional status among patients who obtained their preference. The degree of stiffness was evaluated with Western Ontario, and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) (p=0.01) and functional status with the Timed Up and GO Test (p=0.04).

Therefore, the whole study promoted long-term adherence to a community-based walking program. Further, this study also ensured the maintenance of clinical benefits of walking among older patients who were not properly engaged in physical activity.