Benefits of Physical Activity for Individuals with Arthritis Physiological Benefits Psychological Benefits Physiological Benefits The physiological benefits of exercise are well documented and include reduced risks of: (ref 1) coronary artery disease serum lipid abnormalities hypertension diabetes osteoporosis obesity colon cancer Physical activity is essential to optimizing both physical and mental health and can play a vital role in the management of arthritis. Regular physical activity can keep the muscles around affected joints strong, decrease bone loss and may help treatment for osteoarthritis treatment for osteoarthritis control joint swelling and pain. Regular activity replenishes lubrication to the cartilage of the joint and reduces stiffness and pain. Exercise also helps to enhance energy and stamina by decreasing fatigue and improving sleep.(ref 2) Exercise can enhance weight loss and promote long-term weight management in those with arthritis who are overweight. Exercise may offer additional benefits to improving or modifying arthritis. As Dr. Steven Blair, Exercise Epidemiologist and Director of Epidemiology at the Cooper Institute for Aerobics Research in Dallas causes of left side pain treatment for osteoarthritis TX notes "Skeletal muscle is the largest organ in the body and is intricately tied with protein turnover and synthesis and many other metabolic and biochemical functions. Activating skeletal muscle has many important health benefits we are only beginning to understand." (top of section) (top of page) Psychological Benefits The psychological benefits of exercise are equally compelling.(ref 1) In the short-term (i.e., immediately after exercising) exercise: decreases anxiety improves mood and well being promotes a state of relaxation A growing body of chronic upper back pain treatment for osteoarthritis empirical research also suggests that exercise has long-term effects on well being as well. Improvements in mood and well being have been reported by regular exercisers in both clinical and non-clinical populations and with most types of exercise. Baseline levels of anxiety are lower in individuals who exercise regularly as compared with sedentary adults. Thus, exercise appears to be a potent stress reducer as well. In at least one major clinical trial sponsored by the National Institutes of Health, exercise and arthritis information treatment for osteoarthritis group
