Study finds exercise is enemy of arthritis

By ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published April 4, 2007

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A new Australian study suggests the more time older women spend exercising, the better their chances are of preventing stiff, achy joints that can lead to debilitating arthritis.

Even exercising as little as one hour and 15 minutes a week now can make a difference over the next three years, according to the study in the journal Arthritis Research & Therapy.

Lead author Kristiann Heesch from the University of Queensland in Australia said the study suggests that for women in their 70s, "just adding some walking and moderate activity to your life can make a big benefit."

Doctors have long encouraged exercise among aging patients to keep joints flexible and muscles strong and to keep off weight, which is a leading risk factor for arthritis.