Exercise for Arthritis - Fact or Fiction?

Regular pyhsical activity, which includes strength training, can help reduce the signs and symptoms of many chronic diseases ... including arthritis.

A consistent exercise program will:

> Increase muscle strength

> Strengthen bones

> Improve balance, coordination and range of motion

It can be a challenge in the beginning but regular physical training will become not only healthy but also fun. There is a slight risk of injury with any physical activity, however the health benefits are far greater than any possible risk.

Strengthening exercises have been found to be safe and effective for men and women of all ages. Age and health problems do not necessarily rule out exercise. A suitable exercise program can be planned for all ages and people with health concerns such as arthritis can get significant benefit from a strength training routine.

In fact as you grow older strength training has several advantages. Among them reducing the effects of various chronic conditions, including:

> Arthritis

> Diabetes

> Osteoporosis

> Obesity

> Back pain

> Depression

Exercise for Arthritis

After a 16 week strength training program, run by TuftsUniversity, the participants, who were all suffering from knee osteoarthritis, showed remarkable improvement. The results included:

> Decreased pain

> Increased muscle strength

> Improved general physical performance

> Improvement in clinical signs and symptoms

> Decreased disability

It was found strength training did as good, if not better, a job than medication in easing pain.

Combine strength training with aerobic exercise and you may expect even greater physical and mental benefits.