Getting started with physical activity for osteoarthritis: insights from experts part 2
Dec 10, 2023
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Experts Grace Lo and Christian Barton discuss the benefits of walking and running for managing osteoarthritis. They debunk misconceptions, highlight the importance of tailored exercise guidance, and explore safe ways to incorporate physical activity despite musculoskeletal conditions. Emphasizing the need for gradual progression and pain monitoring, they provide insightful tips for optimizing joint health.
Walking is a beneficial exercise for osteoarthritis, providing low-impact, cost-effective, and safe advantages that can help prevent disease progression.
Contrary to popular belief, running does not accelerate knee osteoarthritis, with evidence suggesting it is protective and safe when approached with proper preparation and guidance.
Deep dives
The Benefits of Walking for Osteoarthritis Prevention
Walking is highlighted as an excellent form of exercise for individuals with osteoarthritis, offering low-impact, cost-effective, and safe benefits. Despite its advantages, many people with osteoarthritis do not engage in sufficient walking. Grace Lowe shares insights on how walking can help prevent osteoarthritis and its positive impact on disease progression. Practical advice is provided on starting a walking routine, setting step goals, and monitoring progress toward recommended exercise guidelines.
Debunking the Myth of Running and Knee Osteoarthritis
Christian Barton dismisses the misconception that running leads to knee osteoarthritis progression, citing research that indicates running is not harmful to joint health. Recreational running is found to be protective against conditions like arthritis, with lower rates of arthritis development compared to non-runners and elite runners. The evidence suggests that running does not accelerate osteoarthritis progression, emphasizing the safety of running for individuals with knee osteoarthritis.
Practical Advice on Running with Osteoarthritis
For individuals with knee osteoarthritis, running is deemed safe, although proper preparation and pacing are essential. Recommendations include avoiding consecutive running days, ensuring gradual loading, and building muscle strength and power to support running activities. Rest periods may be necessary for individuals with established osteoarthritis to optimize tissue health and recovery. Professional guidance on exercise prescription and technique is encouraged to enhance running safety and effectiveness.
Guidance for Increasing Physical Activity and Starting Running with Osteoarthritis
To embark on running with osteoarthritis, starting with a walking program is advised to build endurance and prepare for running. Gradually introducing running alongside strength training and plyometric exercises can enhance tissue resilience and reduce fear of impact loading. Monitoring pain response post-activity is crucial, with short-term pain considered acceptable if it subsides within hours. Seeking guidance from exercise professionals and monitoring loading intensity are key for safe and effective transition into running for individuals with osteoarthritis.
On this week's episode of Joint Action, learn more about the benefits of walking and running for managing your osteoarthritis and how you can get started.
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