Programme Description
GLA:D® is an education and exercise programme that has helped thousands of people with hip and knee osteoarthritis (OA) manage their symptoms of pain and loss of function.
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The programme reflects the latest OA research and has been developed based on feedback from people with OA, as well as healthcare professional who provide care to individuals with mild to severe symptoms. GLA:D® therefore provides an evidence-based approach that works in the real world.
Education
Two education sessions which teach participants about OA, including the ageing process in the joint, how the GLA:D™ Ireland exercises improve joint stability, and how to retain this improved joint stability through day to day self-management techniques.
Exercise
Neuromuscular exercise sessions twice a week for six weeks to improve muscle control and stability of the joint, which leads to reduction in symptoms and improved quality of life. Participants are are educated on how to include the neuromuscular exercises in daily physical activity and advised to continue to be physically active to ensure that the improvements in muscle stabilization are maintained in the long term.
The majority of patients will be encouraged to attend these classes in a group session as the evidence shows that this results in the best improvements in symptoms. However some individuals who are more active or have less ability to attend can receive the programme on an individual basis
Monitoring Outcomes
All patients who take part in the GLA:D programme across Ireland are registered in the national GLA:D Ireland Registry. With consent, health outcomes that are considered important for osteoarthritis will be collected using questionnaires before the programme, after the programme and 12-months after the programme has started. This information will help us to monitor what programmes are effective for people with joint pain.
