Does Running Cause Arthritis?

Researchers at Stanford Arthritis Center in the US studied over 800 people in the age range from 50 to 72 (both male and female). 58% of them were long distance runners whilst the remainder did not run at all. The runners averaged about 40km and had been running for an average of 12 years. (1)

Over the initial 5 year study, the researchers found that runners did not experience higher rates of arthritis compared to the non-runners in the study. In addition, the runners actually had significantly lower rates of muscular and skeletal disability. Runners made fewer visits to the doctors, spent 33 per cent less time in hospital and had significantly fewer days off work due to sickness. Disabling problems in the legs were five times higher in the sedentary groups and remarkably disabling problems in the arms and shoulders were 20 times more likely in non-runners. The runners also gave themselves higher ratings of their own perceived health.

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There was some scientific criticism of the study in that the incidence of arthritis among runners would likely to be underestimated because the researchers would not have included those who had previously quit running because of the development of arthritis. The study was extended for a further 3 years and modified to take on board some of the criticisms - however the outcomes remained similar, the differences between the disability levels of the research groups were significant. Current runners were considerably healthier. The data for the women in the trial indicated that running might be even more important for females as they age.

A further criticism of the work was that activity might be the result of good health and not the cause of it. People who are basically healthy often feel well enough to take up vigorous exercise such as running. Those suffering from aches and pains might be less inclined to do so. However, other studies have taken previously sedentary individuals in the age range 50-65 and given them a vigorous exercise program. The results indicated significant improvements in the health of their muscular and skeletal systems.

Whilst running can offer up to 12 years protection from the onset of osteoarthritis, studies of sports other than running are not as encouraging. Whilst the 'wear' of running is OK and not an issue with osteoarthritis, the 'tear' of twisting and turning joints in sports such as soccer may well increase the incidence of osteoarthritis.

(1) 'Ageing, Long-Distance Running and the Development of Musculoskeletal Disability'. Lane NE et al. The American Journal of Medicine. 1987 Apr;82(4):772-80

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