Osteoarthritis (OA) is among the top 10 of most disabling diseases in the Western world. It is
the major cause of pain and disability among the elderly. This book provides a contextual
review of recent research on neuromuscular factors and behavioral risk factors for functional
decline in OA with a special emphasis on explanatory mechanisms. In addition the book
discusses innovative approaches to exercise and physical activity in OA derived from research
on behavioral and neuromuscular risk factors for functional decline in OA. Recent research has
shown that neuromuscular factors (such as muscle strength joint laxity) and behavioral factors
(such as avoidance of activity depressed mood) predict pain and disability in OA. Furthermore
exercise and physical activity are among the dominant interventions aiming at reducing pain and
disability and innovative interventions targeting neuromuscular and behavioral interventions
have been recently developed. This research has been published as separate papers with the
result that the field is in need of an integrative contextual review that puts the research
into theoretical perspective. TARGETED MARKET SEGMENTS Rehabilitation specialists health
psychologists gerontologists rheumatologists pain specialists
