Relationship of strength training lifetime exposure with functional outcomes and mobility over 4 years: Data from the...

This study compared knee osteoarthritis (OA) outcomes specific to pain, physical function, and quality of life in later life based on strength training (ST) participation over a lifetime.

Participants from the Osteoarthritis Initiative (n = 3192) were grouped by ST engagement during ages 12-18 years, 19-34 years, 35-49 years, and 50+ years. Participants were categorized as: No ST (no ST at any point; 61.7 ± 9.0 years (mean ± SD)), Some ST (engaged in ST during 1-3 life stages; 58.9 ± 8.7 years), and Lifelong ST (consistently engaged in ST across all life stages; 55.6 ± 8.1 years). Measures were collected at baseline and Year 4: Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index Scores (WOMAC; pain, daily activities), Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS; sports, recreation), Physical Activity Score for the Elderly (PASE), Short Form-12 Physical Component Score (SF-12 PCS), mobility disability, chair rise time, and walking speed (20 m and 400 m).

At Year 4, the Lifelong ST group reported better WOMAC activity scores in the right knee along with better WOMAC pain, KOOS sports/recreation, and PASE scores compared to other groups (p < 0.05). The Lifelong ST group had the lowest incidence of mobility disability of all groups (0.8% vs. 2.3%-4.1%; p = 0.015) and maintained the fastest walking speeds in Year 4.

For those with knee OA, ST throughout life may help preserve function and mobility, allowing for greater physical activity engagement while keeping pain levels relatively lower.