Aerobic exercise ‘helps arthritis sufferers control weight’

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) sufferers who want to lose weight can take part in aerobic exercise, as it has been proven to be safe for this group of patients.

Researchers from the University of Grenoble Medical School in France studied 1,040 RA patients and found that those who exercised regularly experienced improved function, less joint pain and a greater quality of life.

Dr Athan Baillet, who led the study, said the results show that RA patients can benefit from regular aerobic exercise.

The research was published in the July print issue of Arthritis Care & Research, a journal of the American College of Rheumatology.

"Safe forms of aerobic exercise, such as walking, aerobic dance, and aquatic exercise, help arthritis patients to control weight, and improve sleep, mood, and overall health," a statement from the study’s publisher Wiley-Blackwell said.

Last month, OK! magazine’s health expert, known simply as Hilary, suggested that aerobic activities such as power walking, skipping, shadow boxing, jogging or cycling boost the metabolism and help people to achieve their weight loss goals.

What’s your favourite form of aerobic exercise?