Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 19, 2025
09:10
The Lower Body Positive Pressure Treadmill for Knee Osteoarthritis Rehabilitation
Published on: July 22, 2019
10.7K
Exercise Therapy "Wears Down" My Knee Joint: Myth or Reality?
The Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy
|June 19, 2025
Summary
Exercise therapy is safe for knee cartilage in individuals with knee osteoarthritis. This approach does not harm cartilage structure or quality, contrary to common misconceptions among patients and clinicians.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Sports Medicine
- Physical Therapy
Background:
- Exercise therapy is a primary treatment for osteoarthritis.
- A common concern is that exercise may damage knee cartilage in patients with knee osteoarthritis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether exercise therapy causes damage to knee joint cartilage.
- To address concerns regarding exercise and knee cartilage health in osteoarthritis.
Main Methods:
- Systematic reviews were conducted to analyze existing research.
- Evidence was evaluated to determine the effect of exercise on knee cartilage.
Main Results:
- Systematic reviews indicate that exercise therapy does not appear to harm knee cartilage structure.
- Exercise therapy does not negatively impact the quality of knee cartilage.
Conclusions:
- Exercise therapy is safe for knee cartilage in individuals at risk of, or with, knee osteoarthritis.
- Clinicians should educate patients to counter the misconception that exercise therapy damages knee cartilage.
Related Concept Videos
01:20Exercise and Cardiovascular Response
1.1K
Exercise significantly impacts cardiovascular response, which is crucial for understanding patient health and designing effective treatment plans.
Light to moderate physical activity initiates a series of interconnected responses in the body. The heart rate modestly increases in anticipation of the workout, followed by widespread vasodilation as oxygen consumption by skeletal muscles increases. This results in decreased peripheral resistance, increased capillary blood flow, and accelerated...
Light to moderate physical activity initiates a series of interconnected responses in the body. The heart rate modestly increases in anticipation of the workout, followed by widespread vasodilation as oxygen consumption by skeletal muscles increases. This results in decreased peripheral resistance, increased capillary blood flow, and accelerated...
1.1K
01:23Knee Joint
2.3K
The knee joint is the most complicated joint in the body. It consists of three articulations– two tibiofemoral and one patellofemoral. As is characteristic of synovial joints, the knee joint has a thin articular capsule that partially surrounds this joint cavity. Additionally, several ligaments, muscles, and cartilaginous structures support the movement of the knee.
A total of seven ligaments support the knee joint. The patellar ligament, which is also attached to the quadriceps femoris...
A total of seven ligaments support the knee joint. The patellar ligament, which is also attached to the quadriceps femoris...
2.3K