OBJECTIVE: Osteoarthritis (OA) affects a large proportion of the population. Aerobic exercise has long been a rehabilitation intervention for treating patients with OA in efforts to decrease pain and improve functional status. The purpose of this meta-analysis was to examine the efficacy of aerobic exercise among individuals with OA. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted following a protocol of methods recommended by the Cochrane Collaboration. Eligible trials were identified by a literature search of Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register. Twelve trials were included with 1363 patients undergoing various forms and combinations of aerobic physical activities including walking programmes, aquatic exercises, jogging in water, yoga and Tai Chi. RESULTS: The overall results of this analysis indicate that various forms of aerobic exercise, such as a walking programme, jogging in water, yoga and Tai Chi can have statistically significant effects on pain, joint tenderness, functional status, and respiratory capacity for patients with OA. CONCLUSIONS: The most efficacious exercise regimen has yet to be determined but aerobic exercise in general is more beneficial for the OA patient than no exercise at all, and is superior or equivalent to strengthening exercises. The research indicates long-term effects need to be explored further, and combined behavioural strategies need to be studied to facilitate the sustainability of the beneficial effect of aerobic exercises.

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