Golfing with Knee Osteoarthritis

            While it seems counterproductive that those who suffer from sore knees and osteoarthritis should be walking more would be a benefit but according to a new study it is not. Golf is a big part of people’s lives’ and has many social and physical benefits to it. Unfortunately, as we age knee issues become more prevalent and our golf game takes a back seat. Research out of the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab and Northwestern Medicine has found that walking the course has numerous health benefits but has very little negative consequences.

Photo Credit Court Cook

            The study took two groups of older golfers and compared hearth rates, pain, as well as inflammation. The heart rate of those who walked the course was shown to be in a good zone for a majority of their round resulting in quality exercise that benefited their cardiovascular system. Those who took the cart were not in this zone. The next variable they studied was pain. Using a 1-10 pain scale, those who waked the course showed no significant increase as opposed to the cart users. Finally inflammation was shown to be no different in the two groups. All of this shows that walking a course is more beneficial to individuals with knee problems.

BE Trainer, Sean Willitts

Sean Willitts is an ACE certified personal trainer. He graduated from Kutztown University in 2015 with a bachelor’s in sports management and a minor in fitness. Including training at Body Elite, he is also a record holding powerlifter. He uses his practical experience and knowledge to help his clients achieve their strength and fitness goals.

Source:  Northwestern University. "Get off the golf cart if you have knee osteoarthritis: Golfers with knee osteoarthritis should walk the course, not ride, for better health benefits." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 28 April 2018. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/04/180428145108.htm>.