GLA:D & ONERO vs Personalised Exercise Programs: Understanding the Differences

When it comes to improving strength, reducing pain, or managing long-term health conditions, exercise is one of the most powerful tools available. Over the years, structured and research-backed programs such as GLA:D (Good Life with osteoArthritis: Denmark) for hip and knee osteoarthritis and ONERO for osteoporosis have become widely recognised for their effectiveness. These programs are grounded in clinical evidence, have been tested across thousands of participants, and offer clear, predictable pathways for improving health outcomes.

However, structured programs aren’t the only option, and in many cases, they may not be the best option for every individual. Many people benefit just as much, if not more, from a highly personalised, one-on-one exercise program designed around their specific needs, goals, and barriers. Understanding the strengths and limitations of each approach is key to choosing the right pathway for your health.

Below, we take a deep dive into each model and explore how they compare, when they work best, and why a combination of both often leads to the strongest long-term results.

The Value of Structured, Evidence-Based Programs

Programs like GLA:D and ONERO have gained global recognition because they are built on decades of research and clinical data. Their structure is deliberate, consistent, and carefully designed to target a particular condition in a safe and effective way.

Why GLA:D Works

GLA:D focuses on neuromuscular strengthening, functional movement patterns, and education for individuals with hip or knee osteoarthritis. Studies have shown that GLA:D can reduce pain by up to 32% and improve daily function—even when surgery has been recommended.

Some key features include:

• Standardised education sessions helping participants understand osteoarthritis and pain science

• A consistent menu of exercises that improve joint stability and confidence

• Outcome tracking, ensuring measurable progress

• Group-based sessions, which can enhance motivation and support

  
  

The Strength of the ONERO Program

ONERO focuses on high-impact, high-intensity resistance training to improve bone density and reduce fracture risk in people with low bone mass or osteoporosis. The exercise protocols are designed to safely load the skeleton, stimulate bone formation, and improve balance and posture.

ONERO is effective because it delivers:

• Proven exercise sequences shown to increase bone density

• Carefully controlled loading strategies to minimise risk

• Balance and strength training that reduces falls

• A structured progression model used consistently across trained providers

Overall, both programs offer highly reliable, evidence-based methods to treat two of the most common chronic conditions in Australia.

Where Structured Programs Fall Short

While these programs are excellent starting points, it’s important to recognise their limitations.

One size doesn’t fit all

Although the exercises in GLA:D and ONERO are well-researched, they are still based on a general template. Not every exercise is suitable for every person, and not every body responds the same way to standardised routines.

For example:

• Someone with severe lower back pain may struggle with impact-loading in ONERO.

• Someone with multiple joint replacements may require modifications not included in GLA:D.

• People with neurological conditions, cardiac limitations, or advanced balance deficits may not safely fit into group formats.

  
  

Progression is fixed, not personalised

Structured programs follow a predetermined progression. This can be a drawback when:

• A participant adapts too quickly and needs a higher challenge

• Someone is progressing slower and needs a gentler approach

• Pain flares require alternative movements

A fixed progression can also be demotivating if it does not align with a person’s goals or daily limitations.

Limited focus on whole-body health

Programs like GLA:D and ONERO are designed to target specific conditions, not the entire individual. They do not address:

• Strength deficits outside the target region

• Cardiovascular health

• Weight management

• Return-to-sport goals

• Other coexisting conditions

This is where individualised exercise programming becomes so valuable.

The Power of Individualised Exercise Programming

An individualised program is designed entirely around the person, not their diagnosis alone. It considers the complete picture: medical history, current strength, daily lifestyle, job demands, motivation levels, and long-term goals.

Individual programs are adaptable and dynamic

A personalised plan allows the Exercise Physiologist to:

• Adjust exercises as pain, fatigue or strength changes

• Progress load at the exact rate your body responds

• Modify the program when life happens—travel, illness, injury, busy schedules

• Include specific goals like running again, returning to golf, or improving balance

This flexibility is one of the greatest advantages compared to a rigid, structured system.

Better suited to complex clients

Many people have more than one condition. A tailored program can safely address:

• Cardiovascular conditions

• Chronic pain

• Post-surgical rehabilitation

• Falls risk

• Work demands

• Mental health considerations

• Pregnancy or postpartum needs

Standardised programs simply cannot account for this complexity in the same level of detail.

A whole-body, holistic approach

An individualised program can incorporate:

• Strength

• Balance

• Endurance

• Mobility

• Power

• Cognitive elements

• Functional training for daily tasks

This approach supports not only symptom reduction but long-term physical resilience.

Why a Combined Approach Often Works Best

Interestingly, the question isn’t really “Which is better?”A more useful perspective is:“How can both approaches complement each other?”

A person may:

1. Start with GLA:D to gain confidence and baseline strength

2. Transition into an individualised program once symptoms improve

3. Continue progressing in a more personalised and goal-oriented direction

Or someone may:

1. Begin with a tailored program to build fundamental strength

2. Enter ONERO once they can safely tolerate heavier loading

3. Use personalised exercises to maintain progress outside the structured framework

   
   

When used together, structured programs and personalised plans provide the perfect

balance of research-backed safety and individualised adaptability specific programming while also enjoying the flexibility and long-term adaptability of personalised training.