Resistance exercise ameliorates pain and improves function by 25% to 30% among people with knee arthritis—according to a recent meta-analysis of 250 studies.
When it comes to managing knee and hip arthritis, resistance exercise might be the ticket. A recent meta-analysis found that resistance exercise dramatically reduces pain and improves daily function in people with knee and hip arthritis.
Researchers analyzed data from randomized controlled trials comparing resistance exercise to other interventions, including no treatment, other forms of exercise, non-exercise interventions, or a combination of these. They examined the effects on pain and function and the relationship between increased leg strength and improved outcomes. They included 250 studies on knee arthritis and 15 on hip arthritis.
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They found that patients who performed resistance exercises for knee arthritis were 25% to 30% more likely to experience improvements in pain and function than those receiving no treatment. Additionally, greater strength gains in the legs were linked to better pain relief and functional outcomes. They noted moderate benefits for hip arthritis, but in some cases, non-exercise interventions performed better than resistance exercise alone.
These findings suggest that resistance exercise benefits people with knee arthritis, particularly in reducing pain and improving mobility. However, combining treatments may be more effective for hip arthritis than exercise alone. One form of therapy that may help reduce the inflammation that drives arthritis is cold exposure. Learn more in our overview article.