• Exercise & Activity
• When to Begin
• Safety
• Nutrition & Diet

People of any age who have OI can safely exercise. Obstacles to consider when evaluating an activity include prior fracture history, degrees of bending of long bones, degree of muscle weakness, joint stiffness or laxity (looseness), joint alignment, poor exercise tolerance, and stamina. Inability to accomplish daily activities without specialized equipment can also affect which activities can be done safely. For instance, long-term sitting in a wheelchair may be associated with hip flexion contractures and compensatory back curvatures, often associated with back pain, joint stiffness, osteoporosis, and obesity. A safe physical activity program would include getting out of the chair and changing body positions at least every 2 hours when possible.

People who have OI should avoid some activities. These include jumping, diving, and contact sports as well as activities that promote falls, abrupt joint compressions, or high rotary (twisting) forces on bones.

Steps for Developing a Successful Exercise Program at Any Age

• Determine the person's capabilities by asking: “What can the child or adult do?”
  
  
• Determine the goal you want to pursue by asking: “What is the child or adult trying to achieve?”
  
  
• Determine the constraints or limitations to achieving the goal by asking: “Is limited range of motion, strength, alignment, or joint instability preventing successful performance?” These limitations may have to be addressed before the goal can be accomplished, perhaps by modifying the program itself.
  
  
• Determine which equipment or treatments are available to help accomplish the goal. A wide range of devices exists to support improved function. Examples include bathroom safety equipment, walking aids, and devices for reaching objects in high or low places. A consultation with an occupational therapist may be necessary to help choose the best devices to accomplish a specific goal.