To fight against osteoarthritis of the knee, it would be essential to limit physical inactivity. The results of a study published in the medical journal Arthritis Care & Research of the American College of Rheumatology, reveal that 6000 steps per day (about 5 kilometers) would prevent knee osteoarthritis and the physical consequences of this disease.
Walking to reduce the risk of knee osteoarthritis
Boston University scientists fitted monitors to 1,788 people at risk of developing knee osteoarthritis to assess their walking practice. They analyzed the mobility of the volunteers two years later.
They found that individuals who took 6,000 steps a day limited the physical consequences of knee osteoarthritis. And that 1000 additional steps per day would reduce the risk of functional accidents by 16%.
“Walking is an inexpensive activity and even though the WHO recommends taking 10,000 steps daily, our study shows that only 6,000 steps are needed to notice benefits,” said Dr. Daniel White, from Boston University, in charge of the study.
Gold osteoarthritis of the knee affects about 20 to 30% of people aged 60 to 70 and is the leading cause of chronic functional disability in developed countries. In France, nearly half of the 10 million people affected are under 60 years old. This inflammatory disease of the joints, which gradually destroys the cartilage, is the first cause of disability after 40 years, according to a recent survey by the French Association for the fight against rheumatism (Aflar). “We encourage people with or at risk of having osteoarthritis of the kneeto start with 3,000 steps per day and gradually reach 6,000 steps per day to minimize the risk of later developing mobility difficulties,” he explains.
Walking, not just for people at risk
To keep in shape and preserve your health, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends taking 10,000 steps a day. The benefits of physical activity are scientifically proven. The regular practice of a sport reduces the risk of developing breast cancer by up to 39%, the risk of developing colorectal cancer by 26%, the risk of suffering a stroke by 25% and 34% the risk of diabetes. Physical inactivity is today the 4th risk factor for early mortality in the world after high blood pressure, smoking and diabetes.
