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Study reveals cartilage-sparing benefits of light exercise

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Simple changes in an individual’s physical activity, such as participating in light exercises rather than high-impact ones, may delay or even prevent the onset of knee osteoarthritis, according to the results of a recently presented study.

Thomas M. Link, MD, professor of radiology and chief of musculoskeletal imaging at University of California, San Francisco, and colleagues enrolled 132 asymptomatic individuals at risk for knee osteoarthritis (OA) for their National Institutes of Health initiative.

Low-impact exercises appeared to be protective of the knee cartilage in individuals studied, according to Link.

“People can reduce their risk for osteoarthritis by maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding risky activities and strenuous exercises,” Link stated in a Radiological Society of North America press release. “Lower-impact sports, such as walking, swimming or using an elliptical trainer, are likely more beneficial than high-impact sports such as running or tennis.”

Matched controls

The study included participants between 45 and 55 years, and consisted of 33 age- and body mass index-matched controls. The participants were separated into three exercise and strength-training levels based on their Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly results and an analysis of their knee bending activity.

Based on the results of MRI exams, the investigators found that light exercisers had the healthiest knee cartilage among those at all exercise levels. Individuals with minimal strength training had healthier cartilage than those with either no or frequent strength training.

Findings in women

Known risk factors for cartilage degeneration include knee injuries, excess weight, frequent knee bending and severe or strenuous physical activity, according to Link.

Some differences in the 99 women in the study emerged, according to the release. Moderate to strenuous exercise was associated with higher water content and more degenerated collagen architecture in the knee in women who did any amount of strength training.

“The results for this group indicated that moderate to strenuous exercise may accelerate cartilage degeneration, putting these women at even greater risk of developing osteoarthritis,” Keegan K. Hovis, BS, BN, a study investigator, stated in the release.

Reference:

• Hovis KK, Stehling C, Pialat J-B, et al. Association of Exercise, Strength Training, and Knee-bending Activities with Knee Cartilage T2 Values and WORMS Using 3 T MRI in Asymptomatic Subjects with and without Osteoarthritis Risk Factors. Paper # LL-MKS-MO2B. Presented at the 2010 Radiological Society of North America Annual Meeting. Nov. 28-Dec. 3. Chicago.

Disclosures: Link is a consultant to General Electric. Hovis has no relevant financial disclosures.

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