Cycling has long been considered an excellent low-impact exercise for maintaining joint health. A recent study has now reinforced this belief, revealing that cycling can significantly reduce knee pain and the risk of developing arthritis.
Study Methodology
The research, published in the journal Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, analyzed data from over 2,600 participants across four age groups: 12-18, 19-34, 35-49, and over 50. The study utilized a combination of self-administered questionnaires and retrospective information from the Osteoarthritis Initiative to monitor knee pain and the most common form of arthritis, examining how cycling throughout the participants’ lives might influence these outcomes.
Key Findings
The results indicated that individuals who had cycled at some point in their lives were 17% less likely to experience knee pain and 21% less likely to develop osteoarthritis in the knee compared to those who had never cycled. The report stated, “People who participated in bicycling had a lower prevalence of frequent knee pain, ROA (radiographic osteoarthritis), and SOA (symptomatic radiographic osteoarthritis).” The study suggested that the benefits of cycling accumulate over time, with more cycling leading to a lower likelihood of developing knee pain or arthritis.
Dr. Grace Lo, the study’s lead author, emphasized the cumulative effect of cycling, stating, “The more periods of time in life a person spent bicycling, the less likely they were to have knee pain and signs of osteoarthritis,” in an interview with NBC News.
Why Cycling Benefits Knee Health
Although the study did not pinpoint the exact reasons behind cycling’s benefits, Dr. Lo suggested that the low-impact nature of cycling might be a key factor. “We know that activities that are non-weight bearing are less likely to cause pain,” she explained. “That’s probably why people experience less pain when bicycling compared to other activities.”
Overall, the study underscores the positive impact of cycling on knee health and encourages the inclusion of bicycling in regular exercise routines to promote joint health and reduce the risk of arthritis.