Less load on the knee
- Published in
- Arthritis Rheum 2005
- People studied
- 142
In 142 older adults with knee osteoarthritis, each kilogram lost went with about 4 kilograms less load with every step.
- Checked against
- PubMed 15986358
- Published in
- Arthritis Rheum 2005
- Last checked
- 30 October 2026
Key takeaway
142 older adults with overweight or obesity and knee osteoarthritis had their walking measured in a laboratory during an 18-month diet and exercise trial. Each kilogram of weight lost went with about 4 kilograms less force through the knee with every step. Over thousands of steps a day, the authors judged this meaningful.
At a glance
- Type of study
- analysis of walking measurements within an 18-month diet and exercise trial
- People studied
- 142
- How long
- 18 months
- Main result
- Each kilogram lost went with about 4 kg less knee load per step.
- Strength of evidence
- Long-term or observational studies
What this study does not show
It measures force on the knee, not pain. The link comes from comparing people's weight change within the trial, so it is an association, not a randomised comparison.
Results from studies in groups of people, mostly in diet and movement programmes. They cannot be promised to any one person. This information is educational and does not replace a consultation with a doctor.
More on joints
- Less load on the kneeLong-term or observational studies · Messier et al., Arthritis Rheum 2005
- Lower risk of knee arthritisLong-term or observational studies · Felson et al., Ann Intern Med 1992
- Easier movementRandomised trials · Christensen et al., Ann Rheum Dis 2007
- Less knee painRandomised trials · Messier et al., JAMA 2013
- Slightly less knee painRandomised trials · Messier et al., JAMA 2022
- Better mobilityRandomised trials · Rejeski et al., NEJM 2012
- More weight lost, more reliefSmall or uncontrolled studies · Atukorala et al., Arthritis Care Res 2016
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