Knee osteoarthritis, dyslipidemia syndrome and exercise.

The aim of our study was to evaluate the influence of aerobic training on the dyslipedemia in patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA).

METHODS

Prospective observational six-month study performed on 40 patients with KOA, fulfilling the inclusion criteria, classified according to their participation in specific aerobic training program (30 minutes/day, 5 days/ week) in two subgroups. A standard evaluation protocol was followed assessing lipid parameters (total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol levels) at baseline, three and six months. Statistical analysis was performed in SPSS 16.0, p < 0.05.

RESULTS

Subgroup analysis has demonstrated a statistical significant improvement in plasma lipids levels in all patients performing regular aerobic training (cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol) (p < 0.05). Although the difference reported for total cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL-cholesterol after six months between subgroups was not significant (p > 0.05), the mean level of HDL-cholesterol was significantly higher in patients performing aerobic training, reaching the cardio-vascular protective levels.

CONCLUSIONS

Regular aerobic exercise has a positive effect on plasma lipoprotein concentrations; further research is needed for the assessment of long-term effects of physical exercises for both KOA and lipid pattern.