Lack of vigorous activity linked to decline in those with arthritis

Reported by Susan Aldridge, PhD, medical journalist

A new study shows that lack of vigorous physical activity is linked to disability in those with arthritis.
Nearly 60 per cent of older Americans suffer from arthritis, a progressive joint disease which can make everyday tasks painful and difficult. A team of researchers at Northwestern University has been looking at the various risk factors involved in the outcome of arthritis.

They followed a group of nearly 6,000 men and women with arthritis and found that over two years, 14 per cent of them became increasingly disabled. This decline was linked to many different factors including added ailments, such as diabetes or stroke and, above all, lack of regular vigorous physical activity.

Over 64 per cent of the sample reported lack of exercise. Those who did exercise tended to have a better outcome. Therefore, older people with arthritis need to be encouraged to participate in some form of physical activity for the sake of their future independence.

Source
Arthritis & Rheumatism April 2005 Volume 52 pages 1274-1282

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