Aerobic Exercise Most Effective for Knee Osteoarthritis Relief, Major Study Finds
A comprehensive review of over 200 clinical trials has identified aerobic exercise – such as brisk walking, cycling, and swimming – as the most beneficial form of physical activity for alleviating symptoms of knee osteoarthritis, both in the short and long term.
The international study, led by researchers at Zhejiang University in China, analyzed data from 15,684 individuals with knee osteoarthritis, comparing six major exercise types and tracking their effects on pain, function, gait performance, and quality of life over time. Researchers categorized exercises into aerobic, strengthening, flexibility, neuromotor, mind-body, and mixed routines. Results showed that by 12 weeks, aerobic exercise produced the largest improvements in function, roughly doubling the benefit seen with resistance training, and significantly reduced reported pain scores. This finding is particularly important given that osteoarthritis affects millions worldwide and is a leading cause of disability.
While aerobic exercise proved most effective overall, mixed programs – combining strength with balance or stretching – also showed moderate improvements in mobility and daily function. Neuromotor activities appeared beneficial for short-term gait performance, but were less effective for pain relief. Researchers emphasized the importance of individualized exercise plans, noting, “Patients should engage regularly in structured aerobic activities…to optimize symptom management,” and consult healthcare professionals for guidance. For more information on managing osteoarthritis, resources are available from the Arthritis Foundation.
The study, published in The BMJ, highlights a critical gap in current guidelines, which generally recommend physical activity without specifying the most effective type. Researchers call for further long-term trials to assess the durability of exercise effects and to tailor recommendations based on disease severity. Officials stated that exercise treatment offers obvious benefits for individuals with knee osteoarthritis and aerobic exercise might be the best exercise modality for improvements in pain, function, gait performance, and quality of life.
