Pushing Harder May Not Help Knee Pain Symptoms: Study
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide, causing joint pain, stiffness, and limited mobility in the knees, hips, and other joints. While exercise has been recognized as an effective way to manage OA symptoms, a new study suggests that pushing harder may not necessarily lead to greater improvements in knee pain and function.
The study, published in the journal Musculoskeletal Care, found that increasing the total amount of resistance exercise by adding more sets, reps, intensity, or time did not lead to greater improvements in knee pain or function in people with osteoarthritis. The findings suggest that moderate, consistent strength training may be just as effective for managing symptoms.
Resistance training is a type of exercise that involves using weights, resistance bands, or body weight to strengthen muscles. It is commonly recommended as a treatment for OA, as it can help improve joint stability, reduce pain, and enhance overall mobility. However, the optimal amount and intensity of resistance exercise for managing OA symptoms remains unclear.
The study, conducted by researchers at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, aimed to investigate the relationship between resistance exercise and symptoms in people with knee OA. The researchers recruited 120 participants with knee OA and randomly assigned them to one of three groups: high-intensity resistance exercise, moderate-intensity resistance exercise, or a control group that did not engage in resistance exercise.
The high-intensity group performed exercises that involved heavier weights and more repetitions, while the moderate-intensity group performed exercises with lighter weights and fewer repetitions. The control group did not engage in resistance exercise.
The researchers measured the participants’ knee pain, function, and quality of life at the beginning and end of the 12-week study. They also assessed the participants’ ability to perform daily activities, such as walking, climbing stairs, and getting up from a chair.
The results showed that there were no significant differences in knee pain, function, or quality of life between the high-intensity and moderate-intensity groups. Both groups experienced significant improvements in symptoms compared to the control group, indicating that moderate, consistent strength training may be just as effective as high-intensity training for managing OA symptoms.
Interestingly, the researchers found that the high-intensity group did not experience greater improvements in symptoms than the moderate-intensity group. This suggests that pushing harder may not necessarily lead to greater benefits for knee OA symptoms.
The study’s lead author, Dr. Joanne McGinnis, noted that the findings have important implications for exercise recommendations in people with knee OA. “Our study suggests that patients with knee OA do not need to push themselves too hard or try to do more than they can manage,” she said. “Moderate, consistent strength training may be just as effective for managing symptoms, and it may be less likely to cause injury or burnout.”
The study’s findings are consistent with previous research on exercise and OA. A 2018 systematic review of exercise interventions for OA found that moderate-intensity exercise was associated with significant improvements in symptoms and function, while high-intensity exercise was not necessarily more effective.
The American College of Sports Medicine recommends moderate-intensity exercise for people with OA, with exercises that are tailored to the individual’s abilities and goals. The organization notes that exercise should be done regularly, ideally 2-3 times per week, and that it is important to listen to the body and stop if pain or discomfort occurs.
In conclusion, the study suggests that pushing harder may not help knee pain symptoms, and that moderate, consistent strength training may be just as effective for managing OA symptoms. While individual results may vary, the findings provide important insights for exercise recommendations in people with knee OA. As with any exercise program, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider before starting a new exercise routine, especially if you have a pre-existing condition like OA.
Source:
https://thepfc.club/blogs/news/does-more-resistance-training-mean-less-pain-for-knee-oa
