Everyone knows that running is great for cardiovascular health. However, many turn to other forms of exercise due to the common notion that running can contribute to arthritis in the knees. A just-published study reveals that blaming running for bad knees relies on a misconception about how running affects the body, while other recent research suggests that running helps to prevent chronic knee pain (1).
It’s good to see new science suggesting that running is not problematic, because it’s such a simple and effective component of a weight loss plan. For those who are looking for knee pain relief, of course, it may not be the best option; water aerobics, cycling, or elliptical training might be preferable. According to this research, though, running could work as a preventative; also, surprisingly, it’s impact is equivalent to walking.
Recent Knee Arthritis Studies
Studies of runners that stretch out over significant lengths of time show that the act of running will not make a person more likely to experience arthritis. One study that was published this summer analyzed running activity versus osteoarthritis prevalence in almost 80,000 people (2). The findings showed that if you run for exercise, it actually reduces your chances of arthritic problems and knee pain. Even marathoners avoid arthritis.
New Knee Arthritis Study: Running vs. Walking
Walking has always been considered a safe activity for the knees, while running has been seen as dangerous for knee health. A study that has just been published looks at the actual physical activity that occurs in the body during running and walking (2). The goal of this study was to determine the amount of impact on the knees while running or walking the same distances.
The subjects in the study were asked to walk and run the same distance – about 15 yards – several times. The pathway that participants ran and walked along had cameras and sensors to count the number of steps and measure the impact of each one. Because strides are longer when running, we don’t make impact as often; plus, the impact is more short-lived.
All in all, what the scientists conducting the study found is that the raw quantity of force placed on a knee during running or walking is the same, provided the distance is equal.
Knee Pain and Weight Loss Solutions
We’ve always known that running is helpful for weight loss. Now, surprisingly, we have sound evidence that it could be good for pain relief as well – or that at least it’s no more stressful on the knees than walking is. At Weston Medical, we specialize in both these two areas, knee pain treatment and medical weight loss solutions. Contact us now for an appointment or with any questions: 954-888-6650.
Sources:
(1) http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/09/25/why-runners-dont-get-knee-arthritis/?src=me&_r=0
(2) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24042311
