Exercise 'improves quality of life for older arthritis patients'

A new study has confirmed that people with arthritis who follow a set exercise programme could enjoy a better quality of life. Researchers from the University of North Carolina in the US published their study in the journal Arthritis Care & Research. The trial involved 346 patients with an average age of 70 who had self-reported arthritis.

Half took part in a programme which included exercise classes at basic and advanced levels. These patients met twice a week for one hour over a course of eight weeks. The control group was only offered the exercise after eight weeks.

It was found that the group who started exercising earlier had significant improvements in pain, fatigue and managing arthritis at eight weeks and maintained improvements in pain and fatigue after six months.

The team said that more research was required to determine if a greater frequency of regular exercise was possible or if the programme could be extended beyond eight weeks.

An Arthritis Research campaign spokeswoman said: "These latest findings back up our our research which shows that regular exercise is essential for people with arthritis in reducing pain and improving quality of life."