Cost-effectiveness of aerobic and resistance exercise in seniors with kneeosteoarthritis

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine, in a randomized clinic al trial of 439 individuals with knee osteoarthritis, the incremental cost- effectiveness of aerobic versus weight resistance training, compared with a n education control intervention. Methods: Cost estimates of the interventi on were based upon the cost of purchasing from the community similar servic es to provide exercise or health education. Effect at 18 months was measure d using several variables, including: self-reported disability score. 6-min walking distance, stair climb, Lifting and carrying task, car task, and me asures of pain frequency and pain intensity on ambulation and transfer. Res ults: The total cost of the educational intervention was $343.98 per partic ipant. The aerobic exercise intervention cost $323.55 per participant, and the resistance training intervention cost $325.20 per participant. On all b ut two of the outcome variables, the incremental savings per incremental ef fect for the resistance exercise group was greater than for the aerobic exe rcise group. Conclusion: The data obtained from this study suggest that, co mpared with an education control, resistance training for seniors with knee osteoarthritis is more economically efficient than aerobic exercise in imp roving physical function. However, the magnitude of the difference in effic iency between the two approaches is small.