Prevent osteoarthritis with recreational running

According to a new study published in the Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, running at a recreational level for up to 15 years and possibly more reduces the chance of developing arthritis in the knee or hip. 

An international team of researchers from Sweden, Spain, America and Canada reviewed 25 studies that included 125,810 people.  Researchers compared recreational runners, competitive runners identified as elite or athletes (those running 57 miles (92km) or more per week) and sedentary individuals. 

The researchers found that only 3.5% of recreational runners developed arthritis in the hip or knee and this was true for both male and female runners.  Those who were defined as sedentary were associated with a rate of arthritis in the knee or hip of 10.2%.  The runners identified as professional or elite athletes had a rate of 13.3%.

About the journal:  The journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy is a peer reviewed medical journal covering research about musculoskeletal rehabilitation, orthopaedics, physical therapy and sports medicine.