Evidence from a large systematic review and a large randomised controlled trial for knee
osteoarthritis demonstrated the beneficial effects of exercise compared with no exercise (6-
7). Exercise in this context included aerobic walking, home quadriceps exercise, strengthening
and home exercise, aerobic exercise with weight training, and diet with aerobic and resistance
exercise. These studies showed that exercise was associated with reduced pain and disability,
medication intake, as well as improved physical functioning, stair climbing, walking distance,
muscle strength, balance, self-efficacy and mental health and physical functioning (6-7).
Majority of these beneficial outcomes were observed during follow up at 18 months postrandomisation
(6-7). Risk of adverse events is considered low if exercise recommended for the
individual has been appropriately assessed by a
trained health professional (8). While some individuals
may experience an exacerbation of
symptoms, the vast majority (including
those severely affected) will neither develop
adverse reaction to controlled exercise
nor experience an increase in the severity
of arthritis (9-10). For example, patients with
significant osteoarthritis can ride a bicycle, go
swimming or exercise in a gym with often no or
minimal discomfort.