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Walk Away From Arthritis

Here's more evidence that exercise benefits those with arthritis. A new study has shown that just a few minutes of daily activity may be enough to prevent mobility problems related to the disorder. Arthritis is one of the major causes of functional decline in seniors, often limiting the ability to walk short distances, prepare meals or even bathe independently. The latest .use it or lose it. advice stems from a Northwestern University Medical School study that followed more than 3,500 osteoarthritis patients for two years. Participants performing at least 30 minutes of moderate daily exercise such as walking or gardening, and those who spent at least 20 minutes a day in vigorous exercise such as running or swimming, were more likely to be in better shape in terms of mobility, over time, than those who were inactive. The researchers also found that participants who exercised vigorously lowered their risk of type 2 diabetes. Moderate exercise didn.t protect against diabetes. The study was published in the December 15, 2005 issue of Arthritis and Rheumatism.
Sources: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_28959.html