| For those experiencing pain, the idea of exercise can | | | | recommendation for those with arthritis pain. A study |
| be daunting. The theory of improving strength around | | | | reported in Physical Therapy compared a land based |
| arthritic joints is that muscles work as shock | | | | exercise program to a water based program. Sixty |
| absorbers, thus increasing strength will reduce joint | | | | four subjects participated in an 18 week program. |
| stress. The good news about determining if exercise | | | | Results found that both the land and water based |
| is helpful in reducing knee arthritis pain is that there | | | | programs were effective in reducing pain and |
| have been numerous studies that have evaluated the | | | | improving function. The water based program did |
| issue. What have we learned? | | | | have a greater improvement in walking tolerance. |
| In a study reported in the Journal of Arthritis Care & | | | | Equipment and exercise classes are not the only way |
| Research in Jan. of 2010, researchers found that | | | | to reduce arthritis pain. A study in Arthritis Research |
| after a 9-month strengthening program using weight | | | | and Therapy reported that a walking program of |
| machines, improvements in both physical function and | | | | two bouts of 1500 steps each performed three days |
| decreased knee pain and disability were reported. | | | | a week resulted in a significant reduction in arthritis |
| Another article published Feb., 2010 in Osteoarthritis | | | | pain and improved physical function. |
| Cartilage evaluated the benefit of doing hip | | | | Finally, for those that are concerned that exercise |
| strengthening exercises for reducing knee arthritis | | | | may damage rather than help knee arthritis, a |
| pain. In the study, 89 subjects participated in the 12 | | | | Canadian Family Physician study found that moderate |
| week program. The researchers found that although | | | | exercise does not accelerate knee osteoarthritis. It |
| the strengthening program did not reduce knee | | | | also found that exercise results in improved function, |
| stress loads, subjects did report decreased pain and | | | | reduced disability, and diminished pain. |
| improved function. | | | | The answer to the question of "is exercise helpful in |
| Strength training is not the only form of exercise | | | | reducing knee osteoarthritis pain?" is a resounding |
| that has demonstrated benefits for knee | | | | YES. Exercise is effective in both reducing pain and |
| osteoarthritis. Tai Chi has been reported to be very | | | | improving function. Despite this fact, compliance to |
| effective in reducing knee arthritis pain. In 2009 alone, | | | | following an exercise routine continues to be a |
| three separate studies evaluated the benefit of a Tai | | | | significant barrier. To help increase the likelihood of |
| Chi exercise program on knee osteoarthritis with | | | | being consistent with an exercise program, find |
| each study reporting decreased pain and functional | | | | activities that you enjoy. Your knees will thank you |
| improvements. | | | | for it. |
| Aquatic or water exercise is also a frequent exercise | | | | |