Elderly Runners and Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review

Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease that typically affects older individuals, leading to pain and reduced mobility. The relationship between running and the onset of OA is a topic of discussion, especially concerning older runners. Some studies suggest that running may contribute to joint degeneration, while others indicate it could have protective effects against OA. The aim of this systematic review is to clarify the impact of running on the development of OA in older populations, particularly by comparing older runners with non-runners. Methods: This systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines and included a comprehensive search of databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, Embase, and Web of Science from ۲۰۱۰ to ۲۰۲۲. Inclusion criteria focused on clinical studies examining the incidence of OA in individuals over ۵۵ years old who were either runners or non-runners. Studies involving participants engaged in other sports were excluded to separate the effects of running. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS), ensuring a rigorous evaluation of the evidence. Results: This review synthesized data from five studies involving ۳,۰۰۱ participants and ۶,۶۷۴ joints, with an average age of ۵۹.۴ years and a body mass index (BMI) averaging ۲۴.۶ kg/m². Among these participants, there were ۹۶۳ runners and ۲,۰۳۸ non-runners. The results indicated no significant difference in the incidence or severity of OA between runners and non-runners. Specifically, clinical assessments and imaging studies did not show greater signs of OA in older runners compared to their non-running counterparts. This suggests that running, whether at a recreational or elite level, does not increase the risk of OA in individuals over ۵۰ years old. Conclusion: The findings of this systematic review support the idea that running does not exacerbate the onset or progression of arthritis in older adults. In fact, engaging in running may not only be safe but could potentially be beneficial for joint health by promoting cartilage health and overall mobility. Therefore, older adults can be encouraged to participate in running as a form of exercise without fearing a significant increase in the risk of developing OA. Keywords: Osteoarthritis, elderly runners, physical activity, joint health.

کلیدواژه ها:

Osteoarthritis ، elderly runners ، physical activity ، joint health