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Is exercise good or bad for arthritis in the elderly?
1Department of Medicine, Saint Barnabas Medical Center, Livingston, NJ 07039.
Regular recreational exercise offers health benefits and may not harm joints, even for those with arthritis. Moderate activity within comfort limits is generally safe and potentially therapeutic.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Rheumatology
- Geriatrics
Background:
- Recreational exercise is popular, offering benefits like increased longevity and improved well-being.
- Concerns exist regarding exercise's role in osteoarthritis pathogenesis and its use in elderly arthritis patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the potential risks and benefits of recreational exercise for joint health, particularly in the context of osteoarthritis and arthritis.
- To explore the therapeutic role of exercise for patients with arthritis.
Main Methods:
- Review of anecdotal observations and existing controlled studies on exercise and joint health.
- Analysis of data regarding the impact of recreational activities on degenerative joint disease.
Main Results:
- Controlled studies suggest exercise does not necessarily harm joints.
- Reasonable recreational exercise, performed within comfort limits and without pre-existing joint abnormalities, may not lead to long-term joint injury.
Conclusions:
- Moderate recreational exercise, respecting joint comfort and range of motion, is likely safe for joints over time.
- Selected exercise programs may offer psychologic and clinical benefits for arthritis patients, warranting further reevaluation.
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