New Study Determines Physical Activity Minimum for Osteoarthritis
A new study suggests that patients with osteoarthritis should perform moderate-to-vigorous physical activity for a minimum of 45 minutes per week to improve or sustain high function in lower limb joint symptoms.
The study included 1629 adults, aged 49 years or older, with symptomatic lower limb joint pain, aching, or stiffness, who participated in Osteoarthritis Initiative accelerometer monitoring substudy, and were assessed 2 years apart. Participants improved or high function 2-year gait speed and patient-reported outcomes were compared with their baseline status, and classification trees were used to determine optimal thresholds that predicted improved or high function.
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The 150 minutes per week of moderate-to-vigorous activity in ≥10-minute intervals recommend by federal guidelines and other metrics were used to determine the minimum threshold for physical activity.
The results showed that a minimum of 45 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity per week increased the rate for improved and high function in adults with lower limb joint symptoms. The 45-minute threshold predicted improved and high function outcomes at a higher rate than the federal guideline or other metrics.
The researchers' findings suggest that a minimum of 45 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous exercise may increase, improve, or sustain high function in adults with osteoarthritis.
—Melissa Weiss
Reference:
Dunlop DD, Song J, Lee J, et al. Physical activity minimum threshold predicting improved function in adults with lower limb symptoms. Arthritis Care & Research. Accepted Author Manuscript. doi:10.1002/acr.23181.