Best Evidence recommends that people with arthritis should participate in regular exercise to optimise daily function and enhance quality of life. Water-based exercise is an ideal form of exercise for people with arthritis as movement in water can be achieved with less pain and greater ease than on land.

In the water, exercise is performed in an environment where joints are protected and weight-bearing is reduced.

Water-based exercise aims to relieve pain and stiffness, increase joint range of movement, improve muscle strength. The exercise classes offered by Arthritis Ireland and the Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists aims to give participants an understanding of the role of exercise in managing their arthritis. In addition, the classes allow participants to partake in an appropriate exercise programme that improves, strength, mobility and conditioning and therefore enhances quality of life.

The group classes are one hour in duration.

To attend these classes, participants will have to be independently mobile and a basic general health screening will be performed in advance of the class.

Participants are not advised to attend these classes if they have the following:

• Poor balance
• Unable to follow commends clearly
• Poor water confidence
• People with active inflammation

Important information

• Payments to made in advance of the class
• Class duration: 6 Week1 hour class lead by a Chartered Physiotherapist
• Dates: 13th, 20th & 27th October & 10th, 17th & 24th November 2016. There will be no class Thursday 3rd November 2016