Review

Factors that may mediate the relationship between physical activity and the risk for developing knee osteoarthritis

Donna M Urquhart¹ , Cathy Soufan¹ , Andrew J Teichtahl¹ , Anita E Wluka^1,2 , Fahad Hanna¹ and Flavia M Cicuttini¹

¹Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Alfred Hospital, Commercial Road, Melbourne 3004, Australia

²Baker Heart Research Institute, AMREP Centre, Commercial Road, Melbourne, 3004, Australia

author email corresponding author email

Arthritis Research & Therapy 2008, 10:203doi:10.1186/ar2343

Published:	4 February 2008

Abstract

Studies investigating the effect of physical activity on risk for developing osteoarthritis at weight-bearing joints have reported conflicting results. We examine evidence to suggest that this may be due to the existence of subgroups of individuals who differ in their response to physical activity, as well as methodological issues associated with the assessment of knee joint structure and physical activity. Recommendations for future studies of physical activity and the development of knee osteoarthritis are discussed.