GLA:D

GLA:D®, or Good Life with Arthritis: Denmark, is an education and exercise program developed by researchers in Denmark for people with hip or knee osteoarthritis symptoms.

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GLA:D® uses education and exercise to help with daily activities. You will work on strengthening your body, as well as learning to move correctly and manage symptoms to improve pain.

The program consists of:

· An initial appointment to explain the program and measure your current functional ability

· Two education sessions which teach you about OA, its risk factors, treatment options, and self-management strategies.

· Group exercise sessions twice a week for six weeks to improve your control of the joint, your confidence in the joint and your strength.

· A review at 3-months with your clinician to discuss progress and goals, and re-measure your functional ability

· Completion of questionnaires on registration with the program, and then again at 3 and 12 months after registration to measure changes in areas such as pain, function, quality of life, and medication use.

Are you meeting the WHO physical activity guidelines?

  1. For older individuals, it is recommended to engage in aerobic exercise for at least 30 minutes a day, on most days of the week. This can include activities such as walking, swimming, water exercises, and stationary cycling. Research has shown that a treadmill-walking program can have a positive impact on the postural balance of older adults living in institutions.

  2. To maintain bone and muscle strength, it is important to engage in strength training. Gradually increasing the intensity (weight) of the workout can help to further strengthen muscles and bones. It is recommended to engage in strength training 2 to 3 days a week, with a day of rest between workouts. When repetitions can be completed with ease and good form, it is advised to increase the weight lifted.

 FAQs

  • Anyone suffering with osteoarthritis in at least one joint of their hips or knees are eligible to participate in the GLA:D program. You will have an assessment with your clinician and make an appropriate treatment plan.  If that plan includes GLA:D®, your clinician will arrange to register you to do the program.

  • The GLA:d program has been shown to produce 'real world' improvements in pain and quality of life for those suffering with osteoarthritis  - even more so than other clinical trials evaluating exercise therapy. 3 in 4 people report clinically meaningful improvements in pain or quality of life at 12-month follow up, and 3 in 4 people desiring surgery before GLA:D have not had surgery or no longer desire surgery at 12 month follow up

  • The GLA:D program sessions are classified as Physiotherapy sessions and you will recieve the same level of cover depending on your private health coverage. Many people can also access a Medicare Care Plan from their GP which can help subsidize their sessions.

  • Our GLA:D exercise sessions are during our FuMo exercise classes which run on the hour every hour. **(This is a point of difference compared to other practices - which often have approx. 2 set GLA:D sessions a week)