Which types of physical activity are most beneficial for knee joint health in overweight and obese subjects? 48 months data from the osteoarthritis initiative

Abstract

Purpose: Overweight and obese individuals are at higher risk for knee Osteoarthritis (OA) due to excessive knee joint load. The association between physical activity and knee OA, has not been systematically addressed in overweight and/or obese subjects and its association seems to be controversial. Therefore, the aims of this study were (i) to compare knee joint structural degeneration over 48-months in overweight and obese subjects without and with mild to moderate radiographic OA who performed high and low impact physical activities, and (ii) to assess the association of different types of physical activity with progression of degenerative changes, using semi-quantitative MRI-grading over a period of 48-months