November 5, 2008 – Strength training and tai chi may help relieve symptoms and pain associated with osteoarthritis of the knee as well as mobility and balance, according to two separate studies.
Bodybuilding
Australian researchers just published the results of an analysis1 of 18 clinical trials conducted on 2,832 subjects with osteoarthritis of the knee. The ages of the participants ranged from 55 to 75 years old. In 56% to 100% of cases, a resistance training program would have had the effect of reducing the pain associated with this condition, while improving mobility, balance and physical performance.
The strength training exercises offered to the subjects involved various muscle contraction movements, with or without the aid of training devices (weights, elastic or spring bands, lifting or pulling devices, etc.). These exercises were aimed at strengthening certain muscles, notably the quadriceps of the thighs, whose weakness is associated with the progression of osteoarthritis of the knee. Subjects in the control groups practiced standard muscle stretches or participated in health and nutrition information classes.
The next clinical trials should focus on reducing the consumption of pain medication, the number of medical consultations and hospitalization in order to know more precisely the effect of weight training on osteoarthritis of the knee, recommend the authors of the l ‘study.
Tai chi
The practice of tai chi, at the rate of two weekly sessions of one hour each for 12 weeks, would have effects similar to those of weight training in people with osteoarthritis of the knee. American researchers have conducted a preliminary trial with 40 patients suffering from osteoarthritis of the knee for at least 10 years.
According to the data of this trial, presented at the recent annual conference of the American College of Rheumatology, the practice of tai chi would have led to a relief of the pain associated with osteoarthritis, a notable improvement in mobility, physical abilities , autonomy and general health, as well as a reduction in depressive manifestations.
Those who have already practiced tai chi know that this technique relies heavily, like strength training exercises, on the work of the thighs quadriceps, which could explain, at least in part, the results observed.
The conclusions of this trial are in the same direction as those of a review of 12 clinical trials3 published earlier this year. The authors of the study concluded that the practice of tai chi could help relieve the pain associated with osteoarthritis of the knee and improve the physical capacities of patients with the condition.
As with strength training, the researchers point out the need for further trials to measure the clinical effects of tai chi on pain medication intake, as well as on disease progression.
Pierre Lefrançois – PasseportSanté.net
According to Reuters Health.
1. Lange AK, Vanwanseele B, Fiatarone Singh MA. Strength training for treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee: a systematic review. Arthritis Rheum. 2008 Oct 15; 59 (10): 1488-94.
2. Wang C, et al. Ancient Chinese Exercise Relieves Knee Pain. Presentation at the American College of Rheumatology Annual Symposium. [Consulté le 3 novembre 2008]. www.rheumatology.org
3. Lee MS, Pittler MH, Ernst E. Tai chi for osteoarthritis: a systematic review. Clin Rheumatol. 2008 Feb; 27 (2): 211-8.