We are please to offer the GLA:D® osteoarthritis exercise program at Spring Physio Gym.
Good Life with osteoarthritis from Denmark (GLA:D®) is an evidence-based programme, aimed at improving the quality of care in clinical practice for patients with hip and or knee arthritis.
Current clinical guidelines for lower limb osteoarthritis (e.g. hip and knee) unanimously recommend exercise therapy, education and weight loss as first line non-pharmacological treatment.
GLA:D® consists of two sessions of patient education and 12 sessions of supervised, individualised neuromuscular exercise therapy delivered by our trained physiotherapists and evaluated in a national clinical registry.
The program has been successfully run in Denmark and is currently being implemented in Canada, Australia and China.
Unlike other programs, GLA:D® is supported by compelling evidence and clinical guidelines.(1) In Denmark, with more than 30,000 participant data, GLA:D® has shown to reduce sick leave and pain (25%), improve function, knee related quality of life (QoL) and physical-activity levels and reduce the use of analgesia use by one-third. (1)
What does GLA:D® involve?
Education on osteoarthritis and the benefits of exercise
There are two 1-hour educational sessions included in the GLA:D® program.
Topics covered include:
- What is osteoarthritis (OA), risk factors, symptoms and introduction to treatment
- Exercise, activities in daily living, coping, and self-help tools
Exercise performed under expert instruction and supervision
Exercise classes are run by physiotherapists who have been trained in the GLA:D program. The program consists of twelve 1 hour supervised exercise sessions over 6 weeks.
Use of graded progressive exercises to ensure that pain and discomfort are not excessive during or after exercise
The GLA:D® program incorporates neuromuscular exercises (NEMEX) in a small class environment. Each exercise is graded to the individual’s ability as assessed by the supervisor (a physiotherapist). Participants are observed and encouraged to report discomfort and pain levels during exercises.
Supplementary material is available as well as face to face instruction
The GLA:D® Australia program incorporates exercises that can be easily performed at home or whilst travelling with minimal equipment. Supplementary material in the form of exercise sheets and lecture content are available for participants.
Monitoring over the long term with periodic re-assessment by a health professional
GLA:D® participants are asked to fill out a baseline osteoarthritis questionnaire and repeat it again at 3 months and 12 months. Participants are encouraged and supported to think and discuss exercise options beyond the 6-week program.
1. Skou ST, Roos EM. Good Life with osteoArthritis in Denmark (GLA:D): evidence-based education and supervised neuromuscular exercise delivered by certified physiotherapists nationwide. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2017;18(1):72.
