Osteoarthritis and Physical Activity

Osteoarthritis is a chronic degenerative disease associated with cartilage and subchondral bone degeneration as well as synovitis. Mechanical overload, inflammation, metabolic factors, hormonal changes, and aging play a central role in the proregression of osteoarthritis. Pain, stiffness, joint dysfunction, and muscle weakness are hallmark symptoms of osteoarthritis and are interrelated.

Zeng CY, Zhang ZR, Tang ZM, Hua FZ. Benefits and Mechanisms of Exercise Training for Knee Osteoarthritis. Front Physiol. 2021;12:794062. Published 2021 Dec 16. doi:10.3389/fphys.2021.794062

Physical activity and/or physical exercise can bring health benefits in patients living with osteoarthritis by preventing cartilage degeneration, inhibiting inflammation, and by improving pain, stiffness joint dysfunction and muscle weakness.

Zeng CY, Zhang ZR, Tang ZM, Hua FZ. Benefits and Mechanisms of Exercise Training for Knee Osteoarthritis. Front Physiol. 2021;12:794062. Published 2021 Dec 16. doi:10.3389/fphys.2021.794062

The type of physical activity is not as determinant as just being physically active. Aerobic exercise, strength training, neuromuscular exercise, balance training, aquatic exercise, and traditional exercises such as Ba Duanjin, Tai Chi, Wuqinxi, and Yoga are all effective to improve physical and psychological function in patients with osteoarthritis. Therefore, clinicians need to promote regular physical activities that are meaningful, achievable, and enjoyable for patients.

References:

Ayre, Julie; Jenkins, Hazel; McCaffery, Kirsten J.; Maher, Christopher G.; Hancock, Mark J. Unique considerations for exercise programs to prevent future low back pain, PAIN: November 15, 2021 - Volume - Issue - doi: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002540

Hooker, Q., Lanier, V., Roles, K., & van Dillen, L. (2022). Motor skill training versus strength and flexibility exercise in people with chronic low back pain: Preplanned analysis of effects on kinematics during a functional activity. Clinical Biomechanics, 92, 105570. doi: 10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2021.105570

Seguin-Fowler, Rebecca A.; Grocke, Michelle; Graham, Meredith L.; Tarabochia, Dawn; Sriram, Urshila; Eldridge, Galen D. Effects of StrongPeople Strong Bodies on Functional Fitness: A Community-Based Randomized Trial, Translational Journal of the ACSM: Fall 2021 - Volume 6 - Issue 4 - e000178 doi: 10.1249/TJX.0000000000000178

Shakespear-Druery, J., De Cocker, K., Biddle, S., & Bennie, J. (2022). Associations between muscle-strengthening exercise and prevalent chronic health conditions in 16,301 adults: Do session duration and weekly volume matter?. Journal Of Science And Medicine In Sport. doi: 10.1016/j.jsams.2022.01.001

VIANIN, M. (2021). DISPOSITIONALISM IN MUSCULOSKELETAL CARE. [S.l.]: EVOLVE GLOBAL PUBLISHING

Zeng CY, Zhang ZR, Tang ZM, Hua FZ. Benefits and Mechanisms of Exercise Training for Knee Osteoarthritis. Front Physiol. 2021;12:794062. Published 2021 Dec 16. doi:10.3389/fphys.2021.794062