Osteoarthritis Exercise Benefits Are Smaller and Shorter-Lasting, Study Finds
A large umbrella review and data analysis find that exercise therapy for osteoarthritis provides only small, short‑term reductions in pain and function—often comparable to doing nothing in some comparisons—challenging the idea of exercise as a universal first‑line treatment. Effects are smallest for hip and hand OA and diminish further in longer-term or larger studies. While exercise offers other health benefits and may suit some patients, care should be personalized with shared decision‑making, considering alternatives and individual goals rather than universally promoting exercise as the sole first option.
