No need for rigorous arthritis treatment activities. Older adults do not have to do too much exercises to be functionally independent. A new study suggests 45 minutes of activity could improve function in their lower arthritic limbs significantly by at least 80 percent.
Arthritis is a joint disorder which predominantly affects the elderly. Its symptoms include joint pain, stiffness, swelling, decreased motion in affected joints and in some cases, it also affects other organs. US data from 2007-2009 reveals at least 22.2 percent or 49.9 million adults have been diagnosed with arthritis. Meanwhile, 9.4 percent or 21.1 million of those had arthritis-attributable activity limitation.
Arthritis treatments include medications and various physical therapies. The standard guidelines suggest 150 minutes of activity per week to avoid serious illness but about 9 out of 10 Americans with arthritis cannot meet this guideline. In a study published in the journal, Arthritis Care & Research, researchers from Northwestern Medicine determined how much activity an arthritis patient should do to maintain daily function.
"For those older people suffering from arthritis who are minimally active, a 45-minute minimum might feel more realistic," said Dorothy Dunlop, lead author of the study and professor of rheumatology and preventive medicine according to a press release provided by Northwestern University. "Even a little activity is better than none," she added.
The researchers assessed 1629 arthritis patients aged 49 years or older in two years. Results revealed that 45 minutes of activity per week can improve and sustain high function for adults with lower limb joint symptoms by about 80 percent. This conclusion applies on both sexes.
The researchers added that this is a more feasible start for elders who have difficulties in following difficult arthritis treatment exercises with high intensity. This would only take less than 10 minutes of activity per day such as brisk walking.
