Combination of Walking and Glucosamine Sulfate May Improve Osteoarthritis Symptoms
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In a study of 36 sedentary adults (42 to 73 years of age) with mild to moderate hip or knee osteoarthritis, the combination of a home-based walking program—at least 3,000 steps per day, in bouts of at least 1,500 steps each, on at least 3 days per week—and glucosamine sulfate provided significant health-related benefits, including reduced pain and stiffness and increased physical function.
The study began with the participants taking glucosamine sulfate 1,500 mg/day for 6 weeks. Participants then commenced a 12-week progressive walking program while continuing to take glucosamine. Participants were randomized to walk 3 or 5 days per week, gradually increasing to 3,000 steps per day during the first 6 weeks of walking and 6,000 steps per day for the next 6 weeks (using a pedometer to monitor step counts). Assessments were conducted at baseline and at 6, 12, 18, and 24 weeks; primary outcomes included physical activity levels, pain and stiffness scores (as determined by the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities [WOMAC] Osteoarthritis Index), and physical function (measured by WOMAC scores and self-paced step test).
Physical activity levels, measures of physical function, and stiffness scores improved significantly during the first 6 weeks of the study (i.e., with glucosamine supplementation only), but pain scores did not. Between the start of the walking program (week 6) and the final follow-up (week 24), additional significant improvements were seen in physical activity levels and measures of physical function, with most improvements seen between weeks 6 and 12. Pain scores improved significantly during that time; stiffness scores did not, but there was a trend for improvement in stiffness. Somewhat surprisingly, no significant differences were found between the groups for the primary outcome variables at any assessment week. Compliance with the walking program was greater in the 3-day walking group than in the 5-day walking group.
The authors acknowledged that a more robust study with a larger sample is needed to support these preliminary findings.
Arthritis Res Ther. 2010 Feb 12;12:R25. [Epub ahead of print]