In honor of the Rio Olympics today’s post will examine research on the benefits of swimming or cycling on the symptoms of osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis is a progressive disease that leads to damage of the underlying bone and cartilage. It is very common, and it is estimated that osteoarthritis affects approximately 30 million in the U.S. and perhaps 250 million worldwide. Symptoms of osteoarthritis often progress leading to increasing joint pain and decreased function.

A group of researchers from the University of Texas at Austin enrolled a group of 48 participants into the study, including both men and women, with an average age of about 60 years. Subjects had mild to moderate signs of osteoarthritis on x-ray, and in addition were symptomatic with joint pain and decreased function.

Subjects were randomized to a swimming group or a cycling group. They started with 20-30 minutes of exercise 3 days/week at an exercise intensity of 40-50% of heart rate reserve. As fitness improved, participants moved to a goal of 40-50 minutes of exercise/day, 3 days/week at 60-70% of reserve. Swimmers used the breaststroke, freestyle or a combination of the two strokes, while the cyclists used a stationary bike. Both swimming and cycling groups were followed for 12 weeks.

Participants were tested upon entry into the study, and again after 12 weeks of either cycling or swimming. Participants in both the swimming and cycling groups showed reductions in joint pain and stiffness, with improvements in function. There was also significant improvement in a six-minute walk test in both groups. Body mass, as well as hip and waist circumference decreased in both swimmers and cyclists.

This study is important in that it may be the first to look at swimming (not water aerobics) as an intervention for osteoarthritis symptoms. The active cycling control group showed similar improvements to the swimming group, thus giving another possible treatment method for patients with osteoarthritis. It would be interesting to see if the improvement in function and decreases in joint pain would continue if the swimming or cycling continued beyond 12 weeks. Swimming and cycling are low risk activities that may yield large benefits for those suffering with osteoarthritis.

 (Source- The Journal of Rheumatology 2016; 43:3)

This blog is a review of medical and scientific literature, and should only be used for informational purposes. It does not constitute medical or health advice, nor does it create a physician-patient relationship with anyone. Discuss any health concerns with your personal physician.