Effect of physical activity on articular knee joint structures in community-based adults

Abstract

Objective. It is unclear whether physical activity that is beneficial for the cardiovascular system is detrimental to knee structures. We examined the association between intensity, frequency, and duration of physical activity and knee structures in a community-based population. Methods. A total of 297 healthy adults ages 50-79 years with no history of knee injury or disease were recruited from an existing study on healthy aging. Each subject underwent knee magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to measure tibial cartilage volume, tibiofemoral cartilage defects, and bone marrow lesions. Physical activity and anthropometric data were obtained via questionnaire during 1990-1994 and 2003-2004. Result..