
What are the benefits and evidence to support the use of self-management skills?
Physical activity promotes general health, decreases
pain and stiffness, and decreases feelings of depression as well as improves mood
and sleep. Exercise improves daily energy level (
Gecht, et al., 1996;
Minor & Lane, 1996;
Wallace, 2000).
Aquatics in a warm water pool promotes flexibility
and movement (
Ferrell, 1998;
Minor & Lane, 1996).
Participating in a self-help or self-management course demonstrated
decreased reports of pain, increased functional abilities and a reduced number
of hospitalizations and physician visits (
Braden, 1991;
Lorig, et al., 2000).