How exercise can prevent osteoarthritis

… Professor Hart’s five pointers for joint health

How exercise maintains healthy joints

In an article for Cleveland Clinic London, Professor Hart shared some important advice around how exercise could prevent osteoarthritis. The full article is available here.  

The five key points that Professor Hart raises are based on our research findings:

1. Physical activity is good for cartilage

   Activity strengthens the bone that supports the cartilage. Strong muscles also keep the joint stable during movement and spread mechanical forces evenly across the cartilage. Movement also distributes lubrication.
   

2. Inactivity is unhealthy for our bones and muscles

   Activity stimulates cells that build bone and helps reduce bone loss that can make cause osteoenia and osteoporosis, where bones become more likely to break. Muscle loss is called sarcopenia and results in poor movement of the joints.
   
   

3. Certain types of exercise could cause further damage

   For joints with damaged ligaments or cartilage or knees with damaged menisci, certain types of exercise can cause further damage. MRI scans can help see any damage and help us decide on the best types of exercise.
   

4. But exercise doesn’t damage joints

   In fact, for an undamaged joint, exercise will improve its health. There is so much evidence for this from studies of runners.
   
   

5. A combination of exercise types is best

   You can actively prevent osteoartritis with the right dose of strength training, bone impact exercise (e.g. running) and activity involving stable movement of joints (e.g. cycling).