Sport Psychologist’s Digest

• Published in: Journal of sport & exercise psychology 2003-12, Vol.25 (4), p.568-570
• Main Authors: Weigand, Daniel, Lirgg, Cathy, Gammage, Kim, Haase, Anne, Papaioannou, Athanasios, Maddison, Ralph, Ekkekakis, Panteleimon
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0895-2779; 1543-2904
• DOI: 10.1123/jsep.25.4.568

This study examined the influence of diet and physical activity on health-related quality of life and satisfaction with physical functioning among persons suffering from knee osteoarthritis. A total of 316 participants were randomly assigned to one of four 18-month treatments: exercise only, diet only, exercise + diet, or control. All participants were sedentary individuals over 60 years of age and had a BMI of at least 28. They reported suffering from knee pain on most days, and they had difficulty performing daily activities. The exercise treatment consisted of walking and lower-body resistance training 3 days per week. The diet group used cognitive and behavioral techniques to change dietary habits and lose weight. The diet + exercise group combined both treatments, while the control group met periodically to eliminate confounds related to attention and social interaction. There were no significant differences in adherence rates between the groups, nor were there any differences in ratings of health-related quality of life. However, the diet + exercise group showed significant improvement in physical health compared to the control group. Again, compared to the control group, both the exercise and the exercise + diet groups also expressed greater satisfaction with physical functioning. All three treatment groups showed improved satisfaction with appearance following the intervention.