Osteoarthritis Exercise Interventions for a Younger Adult Population—A Narrative Review

Abstract

Osteoarthritis (OA) is considered to be a condition attributable to ageing; however, symptoms can start under 45 years old in one-fifth of patients. Exercise therapy is recommended as first-line treatment in all OA guidance; however, uncertainty remains regarding optimal exercise programmes (including strength, aerobic or mind–body interventions) as different populations might respond better to one intervention than another. This review aims to understand the evidence surrounding exercise interventions for OA in younger adults (18–50 years old). An umbrella review methodology was adopted. Individual studies included in 50 systematic reviews (±meta-analyses) published in the last decade were reviewed and those involving participants aged 18–50 were selected. Five papers, from a potential 1046, involved appropriate participants and underwent full-text review. Two were excluded due to pathology and language; therefore, three studies with 265 participants were included. Exercise interventions included strength-based, neuromuscular control and aerobic and were delivered under supervision or via sensor or virtual reality technology. Interventions improved pain, functional, cartilage composition and inflammatory outcomes measures; however, study heterogeneity prevented direct comparison and meta-analysis. There is a clear bias in the literature for an older population, with research and clinical interventions required for a younger adult population with, or at risk of, OA.

Keywords

Osteoarthritis - Exercise - Young adults - Review

Publikationsverlauf

Eingereicht: 28. November 2024

Angenommen nach Revision: 03. Juni 2025

Accepted Manuscript online:
04. Juni 2025

Artikel online veröffentlicht:
23. Juli 2025

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