Ease Knee Pain with Effective Arm Exercises

On Nov 6, 2023

Exercising One Body Part to Enhance the Health of Another

Does exercising one part of the body enhance the health of another? This concept, though surprising, is gaining recognition among scientists seeking innovative methods to manage chronic illness, stroke, and even post-operative effects of breast cancer.

Innovative Research at the University of Texas

Researchers at the University of Texas at El Paso are now testing an intriguing new theory. They believe that people suffering from osteoarthritis could potentially alleviate knee pain by exercising their arms.

Launching a New Clinical Trial

Last week, the researchers initiated a clinical trial involving 60 men and women who frequently experience knee pain due to wear and tear. These participants will experiment with different exercises to identify which one offers the most relief.

The trial, scheduled to complete by 2025, aims to establish if regular 20-minute arm exercise sessions (using an ‘arm cycle’ machine typically found in gyms) are more effective than leg cycling for reducing knee pain and enhancing mobility. This initiative is based on findings from previous studies suggesting arm cycling may be more beneficial than treadmill walking for alleviating knee pain.

Managing Arthritic Knee Pain through Exercise

Regular moderate exercise is considered one of the most effective ways to manage arthritic knee pain, as it strengthens the muscles around the joint and reduces pressure on the damaged area. However, activities like walking or jogging can increase load on the knee, making it challenging for some people to get moving.

As Uzo Ehiogu, a consultant physiotherapist at the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital in Birmingham, explains, there is no obvious mechanism by which arm exercises could directly affect knee pain. The likely explanation is that patients feel fitter and more confident, and possibly more mobile, after a 20-minute arm workout, which may then reduce knee pain sensation.

Muscle Cross Education: A Fascinating Phenomenon

In some cases, exercising one limb does have a direct and fascinating effect on the opposite one. This effect, known as muscle cross education, allows muscles on one side of the body to benefit from activity in those on the other side. This approach is commonly used in sports medicine to prevent rapid muscle loss during injury.

The Mystery and Potential of Mirror Therapy

One of the most intriguing applications of this phenomenon is mirror therapy, used in treating stroke patients paralyzed on one side. The therapy involves performing exercises with the healthy arm while watching it in a mirror, tricking the brain into believing it’s working the damaged arm. This stimulates connections with the nerves and muscle fibers in the damaged arm.

Research suggests mirror therapy may also be beneficial for women with limited shoulder function after surgery or radiotherapy for breast cancer. In a study conducted by Fudan University in China, participants who exercised their healthy arm while looking at it in a mirror had a better range of movement in the affected arm than those who exercised without a mirror.

Mirror therapy and muscle cross education are just two examples of the innovative approaches being explored to alleviate the discomfort and limitations caused by various health conditions. While further research is needed, these methods show promising potential for improving the lives of many patients.