Cardiovascular Exercises for People with Knee Arthritis

Arthritis is a debilitating disease that causes inflammation throughout the entire joint of an infected area. It is a general term used to classify more than 100 different types of the disease. The type of arthritis that afflicts the knee is known as osteoarthritis. It is the most common type of arthritis and is caused by dissipation of the cartilage in the joint. Cartilage is connective tissue that, along with synovial fluid, prevents bones from rubbing again one another. Risk factors include age, obesity and wear and tear.

  1. Contraindications

    • Exercises that should be avoided are any considered weight-bearing activities, such as walking, jogging and snow skiing. Even low-impact aerobics should be avoided because of their weight-bearing requirements and the repetitive nature of the activity.

    Recommended Exercises

    • Any exercise that defers body weight and reduces how much the joints have to support is preferred, such as working out on a stationary bike, stair stepper, elliptical trainer and rowing machine, as well as swimming. All of these machines are exercises reduce or completely eliminates stress on the knee joint. Caution should be taken when using a stair stepper, as the body is still in an upright position. However, the resistance provided defers body weight. Incorporate one or more of these into your exercise regimen and, through the process of elimination, determine which one causes the least amount of joint distress. Exercises should follow the low-intensity, high-repetition format.