A new study shows that walking 6,000 or more steps per day may protect those with or at risk of knee osteoarthritis from developing mobility issues, such as difficulty getting up from a chair and climbing stairs. The research appears in the current issue of Arthritis Care & Research.

Although walking has many known health benefits, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that two-thirds of U.S. adults with arthritis walk fewer than 90 minutes each week.

“Our study examines if more walking equates with better functioning, and if so, how much daily walking is needed to minimize risk of developing problems with mobility in people with knee OA,” said lead researcher Daniel White, P.T., Sc.D., of Boston University.

Osteoarthritis is the leading cause of disability among those age 65 and over according to the Agency for Healthcare Quality and Research. It is the most prevalent form of arthritis in the United States, affecting more than 20 million adults. More than half of all people age 65 and over have evidence of this condition.
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Liz Seegert is an independent health journalist and AHCJ’s topic leader on aging. She covers older adults, baby boomers, health policy, and social determinants of health, as well as many other health issues. Her bylines include stories for PBS/NextAvenue.org. the American Journal of Nursing, TIME Health, Medscape, Consumer Reports, and Medical Economics, as well as dozens of other trade and mainstream media. Her articles have been syndicated in Forbes.com, the Los Angeles Times, the Hartford Courant, the Saturday Evening Post and other major outlets.