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This preventive research consists of an evaluation, guidance and practical activities of daily living program performed with strategies of energy conservation, joint protection, rest breaks awareness and fitness habits in a sample of patients with osteoarthritis in a public Hospital in Sao Paulo / Brazil. These patients were evaluated by occupational therapy along with a multidisciplinary team. Osteoarthritis is a topic of great social importance because it is a chronic inflammatory disease that causes deformities and can be extremely disabling and painful.

It is known that small changes in the conduction of activities can prevent the acceleration of disease progression, with reduced pain and joint wear, contributing to a better quality of life and independence of these patients.

The study was conducted using goniometry and functional assessments, strength of grip and tip pinch as well as two life quality questionnaires: the Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) and the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ).

240 patients were included in the study, with ages ranging from 40 to 80 years old. After the evaluation the patients were divided into four groups for theoric and practical lessons in a laboratory simulating a house with several adaptations and components, arranged in the environment following the Brazilian Technical Standards (NBR) for height, size and movement in space.

Pamphlets about activities and all the practice were handed at the end of the class. The purpose of this study is to create an orientation program of activities of daily living to promote behaviour changes in order to improve the quality of life of patients with osteoarthritis.