Malmo: New research from Sweden has found that regular exercise maybe helpful in strengthening knee cartilage in people at high risk of developing knee osteoarthritis, one of the leading causes of disability

Previously doctors believed that osteoarthritis, a wear and tear disease, is made worse by exercise. But the new findings may suggest that exercise may actually protect against cartilage breakdown. Additionally researchers assessed the cartilage outcomes in 45 patients with early joint disease who were asked to perform moderate exercise. This included trainin sessions three times weekly over four months to improve muscle strength and aerobic capacity.In addition, moderate exercise seemed to improve joint symptoms and function.

The research from Malmo and Lund Universities is published in this month’s issue of Arthritis & Rheumatism.