Does it help or hurt?
Strong muscles help in stabilizing the joints.
Strength training is the broader term that encompasses the other two.
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Strength training refers to any exercise that uses some form of resistance to strengthen the muscles.
The resistance forces the skeletal muscles to contract.
Resistance can be created using your own body, too.
Primarily, low-impact exercise and range-of-motion exercise is recommended for people with arthritis.
That’s exactly the source of confusion.
If weight resistance is added to an exercise regimen, does it hurt more than help someone with osteoarthritis?
Weight training can be helpful, as stronger muscles can take some of the load off your joints.
But you have to be careful.
You could make arthritis worse if you injure the joint.
Peak muscle strength normally occurs in your mid-20s and is maintained into your 60s.
However, strength declines.
The loss of muscle mass and strength that occurs with age is called sarcopenia.
Muscle weakness is also common with osteoarthritis, especially of the knee extensors.
Muscle weakness occurring with osteoarthritis is linked to an increased risk offunctional limitationsand disability.
In fact, some level of exercise is possible no matter one’s age or the severity of osteoarthritis.
However, it can still be donejust at the level that is appropriate.
2010;26(3):445-459. doi:10.1016/j.cger.2010.03.006
