Adults with Arthritis Need to Get Active

According to a study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, adults with arthritis aren't exercising enough. According to researchers, who analyzed data from a 2002 National Health Interview Survey:
  • More than one-third of adults with arthritis do not exercise at all.
  • People with arthritis are less likely than people without arthritis to meet recommended levels of physical activity (30 minutes of moderate activity most days of the week).
  • Only 20 percent of people with arthritis perform strength training exercises.
  • 37 percent of adults with arthritis meet the minimum levels of physical activity that are recommended for people with arthritis.
Researchers think that people with arthritis may fear that exercise will worsen their pain or harm their joints.

Action Sparked: It's no secret that exercise is beneficial for people with arthritis. Regular exercise helps decrease pain, delays disability, reduces stiffness, and improves mobility, range of motion, and overall function. And exercise doesn't have to be strenuous to offer benefits. Read Exercising with Arthritis to get started today.