Posted on November 15, 2007 in Latest News
Is there any connection between running or jogging and the risk of arthritis? You may say that there is a link, as running and jogging are the kind of activities which involves wear and tear of the muscles.
A research conducted by Stanford Arthritis Center, U.S.A, covered about 800 people of age group 50-72. Out of 800 people, 42% of the people never ran at all whereas the remaining 58% were long distance runners. Average age was 12 years when the runners started running and the average running is about 40kms.
Initial study of 5 years showed that runners do not have any added risk of arthritis when compared to non-runners. Instead runners showed lower rates of skeletal and muscular disabilities. Whereas the muscular disabling problems faced by the non-runner group was 5 times more.
The research study has been facing few scientific criticisms, as it did not include the case studies of the runners who had quit running because of arthritis. Keeping in mind the criticisms, the research study was further extended for 3 years. However the result of the extended research was the same, the only difference was that the disability levels were more significant. The recent runners were significantly healthier. The outcome of the research even showed that running plays an important role in maintaining their health as they grow old.
Previous studies show that vigorous exercises like running can improve the muscular and skeletal health of an individual. Running can delay the onset of arthritis for up to 12 years. The wear and tear associated with running has no relation with the development of arthritis. But other sports like soccer which involve large amount of turning and twisting of joints may increase the risk of arthritis.
» Filed Under Latest News
Comments
Leave a Reply
December 2nd, 2007 at 2:11 pm
I have just been diagonosed w/ arthritis in my foot. It is in the top part, below the laces… I have been running for 30 years, and am finally setting PR’s. I hate to think of stopping running. Right now, the doc’s advice was not to run for awhile, until foot “settles” down. Do you have an opinion to what caused this fluid in my joints,(the arthritis) and what “settles” down means to me as a runner?
I am 58.
December 6th, 2007 at 7:00 pm
can repetative sports like rowing cause osteo
January 5th, 2008 at 6:05 am
Dear Lola,
It is very essential for you to consult a doctor or professional therapist at this point, in order to determine the causes of the fluid formation and the effective treatments that can help you resume running and other activities effectively.
We feel that the following link can help you heal and comfort your feet in some way:
http://www.fda.gov/fdac/features/2006/206_feet.html
January 5th, 2008 at 6:46 am
Dear Steve,
Rowing is a kind of endurance or aerobic exercise that makes the muscles and bones strong and flexible. It is a recommended exercise for most arthritis sufferers today. However, avoid rowing exercises if you are suffering from elbow arthritis.
It is absolutely important for you to consult about the safety and benefits of rowing exercises with an orthopedic doctor or a professional therapist.
Find more information on the connection between rowing and osteoarthritis in the links below:
http://ncpad.org/disability/fact_sheet.php?sheet=2&view=all
http://www.twu.edu/inspire/Fact_Sheets/o_arthritis.htm
http://ouhsc.edu/Geriatricmedicine/Education/GeriatricRheumatology/exercise_and_arthritis_fac