High-Intensity Exercise may Help Ease Symptoms of Arthritis

Arthritis is a chronic disease that causes inflammation in the joints. It affects about 1% of the population, and about three times as many women as men. Mostly adults are affected, but the disease can occur in children also. Patients suffering from arthritis often have reduced endurance and are at an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. A new study has suggested that high-intensity exercise may help ease symptoms of arthritis.

Researchers Anja Bye from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology said, "This is why it is especially important for arthritis patients to keep fit and work on their cardiovascular endurance."

For the study, researchers studied 18 women between the ages of 20-49 years. They were given 20 sessions of hard training on a spinning bike for 10 weeks. The results showed a tendency to have less inflammation and the study participants also experienced significant increase in maximum oxygen intake, meaning that they reduced their risk of cardiovascular disease. The participants saw a small reduction in body mass index (BMI) as well as an increase in muscle mass as a result of the training.

The study is published in European Journal of Applied Physiology.

Source: IANS