Study Shows Running Reduces Joint Inflammation

A new study showed that long distance running, contrary to popular belief, decreases knee inflammation. Researchers at Brigham Young University Department of Exercise Science studied the impact of running on the knees of runners to better understand how exercise helps protect individuals from degenerative joint disorders.

Researchers collected samples of synovial fluid and serum from six healthy recreational runners before and after a 30-minute session of non-running and a 30-minute session of running to measure the concentration of cytokine. They found cytokine levels in the serum and synovial fluid before and after the running session decreased, indicating a decrease in pro-inflammation in the joints. In addition, they found the cytokine concentration levels to be the same before and after the non-running session.

According to their findings, running does decrease inflammation causing cytokine in the joints, which can help protect individuals from degenerative joint disorders. Further research is needed to determine if individuals with knees injuries also receive the same benefits from running as those without knee injuries. In addition, the benefits of running need to be examined in a larger population of individuals, and should include those who rarely or never run.

—Melissa Weiss

Reference:

Hyldahl RD, Evans A, Kwon S, et al. Running decreases knee intra-articular cytokine and cartilage oligomeric matrix concentrations: a pilot study. European Journal of Applied Physiology. 2016; 116 (11): 2305-2314.