Osteoarthritis Risks and Sports: An Evidence-based Systematic Review

Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease that affects millions of people worldwide, leading to pain and reduced mobility. Athletes are often at a greater risk of developing OA due to the physical demands of their sports, which can result in joint overuse and injury. This study examines the relationship between different types of exercise and the risk of developing arthritis, particularly focusing on how various sports activities impact the onset and progression of this condition. Methods: The study employed a systematic review approach, following PRISMA guidelines to ensure comprehensive data collection and analysis from ۲۰۱۱ to ۲۰۲۱. This review included clinical studies assessing the prevalence of OA in athletes compared to non-athletes. Studies focusing exclusively on OA were excluded to maintain focus on primary cases. The analysis synthesized data from ۳۲ articles involving more than ۲۰,۰۰۰ participants, providing a robust overview of the risks associated with various sports. Results: The review found that approximately ۷۴% of the studied athletes exhibited early signs of arthritis. Among these athletes, those participating in high-impact sports such as football (۲۱%), handball (۱۱%), and ice hockey (۱۱%) showed the highest prevalence of knee and hip arthritis. In contrast, athletes engaged in low-impact activities like running (۴۷% of non-OA athletes) and dancing did not show a significant increase in OA incidence. Notably, ۲۶% of athletes reported no significant difference in OA progression compared to healthy individuals. The data suggest that while some high-impact sports are associated with increased OA risks, moderate participation in aerobic activities may not accelerate joint degeneration. Conclusion: The findings indicate that the type of exercise significantly influences the risk of arthritis among athletes. High-impact sports are associated with a higher likelihood of early OA, while low-impact activities seem to provide protective benefits for joint health. This highlights the importance of appropriate training programs and injury prevention strategies for athletes to reduce the risk of OA as they age. Overall, raising awareness about the potential hazards associated with specific sports can help athletes make informed decisions regarding their training and participation.

کلیدواژه ها:

Osteoarthritis ، athletes ، sports injuries ، joint health ، high-impact sports ، low-impact activities