The importance of muscle is a well-covered issue here on the Aminogen blog. We know that muscle plays an important role in immune function, recovery from injury, and overall health. What's more, we know that lack of lean muscle can be a serious problem, especially as we age. Lack of lean muscle is even associated with higher mortality rates in men.
Now January's issue of Arthritis and Rheumatism reports that among people with osteoarthritis, those with greater quadraceps (thigh muscle) strength suffered less knee pain and displayed better knee function. The study found that stronger quadraceps seemed to protect against cartilage loss at the lateral compartment of the patellofemoral joint.
The researchers cautioned that osteoarthritis sufferers should not attempt to strengthen this muscle or undertake an excercise program without the supervision of their physician.
