Is Exercise a Good Intervention for Some People with Osteoarthritis of the Knee?

A recent medical article published in the International SportMed Journal examined whether exercise was a favorable treatment for knee osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis of the knee is a common joint condition that happens when the cartilage in a person’s knee wears down. This progressive degenerative condition tends to happen gradually over time and is more common in people as they age. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), osteoarthritis of the knee is the most common type of knee arthritis.

Examining results from 91 different research studies, scientists Dr. Matthew Rogers and Dr. Stuart Semple found that based on the literature, certain types of exercise may be very beneficial for people with osteoarthritis of the knee.

Which Exercises May Benefit People with Osteoarthritis of the Knee?

Exercises that may be good for people with knee osteoarthritis include resistance training, cycling, walking, Tai Chi, balance training, and agility exercises. These activities were found to reduce symptoms and improve overall functioning for people suffering from knee osteoarthritis.

The study concluded that certain factors should be considered during patient rehabilitation including availability of exercise equipment, expenses associated with physical activity, patient preferences in terms of physical activity types, along with individual symptomology. Learn  more about the effect of exercise on knee osteoarthritis from the latest research.