Here is a reply from the lead author of the JAMA study, Dr. Steve Messier:
"Jeremy,
I read your review of our paper and found it to be on target. The one clarification is that if participants chose to use meal replacements we encouraged them to replace these with other healthy choices by 6 month follow-up and only use meal replacements thereafter as boosters if they hit a weight loss plateau and desired to lose more weight safely.
Depending on the facility, the resistance training could include machines, free weights, body weight exercises, Thera-bands, or a safe alternative. The exercises were skewed toward the lower extremity and core, with a few upper extremity exercises....
I'll look into the hyaluronic acid question. My basic understanding is that it's iffy.
The exercise regimen in the study was as follows: "The exercise component consisted of 60-minute sessions 3 days per week for 18 months in a group setting at one of the designated community facilities. Prescribed exercise consisted of aerobic walking (15 minutes), resistance training (20 minutes), a second walking phase (15 minutes), and cooldown (10 minutes)"
I'm not sure what "resistance training" specifically they did, but I'm guessing things like those elastic bands and maybe light weights.
What do the experts think about hyaluronic injections for osteoarthritis ? What type of exercise was effective?
Judy,
Here is a reply from the lead author of the JAMA study, Dr. Steve Messier:
"Jeremy,
I read your review of our paper and found it to be on target. The one clarification is that if participants chose to use meal replacements we encouraged them to replace these with other healthy choices by 6 month follow-up and only use meal replacements thereafter as boosters if they hit a weight loss plateau and desired to lose more weight safely.
Depending on the facility, the resistance training could include machines, free weights, body weight exercises, Thera-bands, or a safe alternative. The exercises were skewed toward the lower extremity and core, with a few upper extremity exercises....
Steve"
I'll look into the hyaluronic acid question. My basic understanding is that it's iffy.
The exercise regimen in the study was as follows: "The exercise component consisted of 60-minute sessions 3 days per week for 18 months in a group setting at one of the designated community facilities. Prescribed exercise consisted of aerobic walking (15 minutes), resistance training (20 minutes), a second walking phase (15 minutes), and cooldown (10 minutes)"
I'm not sure what "resistance training" specifically they did, but I'm guessing things like those elastic bands and maybe light weights.
I could ask!
Thank you