Golf and Hip Osteoarthritis Risk

Occupational Activities and OA Risk

• Strong evidence exists for certain occupational activities increasing hip OA risk, particularly in men, including heavy lifting, cumulative physical loads, and full-body vibration, according to the American College of Rheumatology 1, 2, 3
• Activities that do NOT increase hip OA risk (strong evidence) include sitting, standing, and walking activities, as well as recreational activities with moderate joint loading, as stated by the European League Against Rheumatism 2, 3, 4, 5

Exercise Benefits for OA

• Therapeutic exercise has an overall positive effect on pain and physical function for individuals with knee and hip OA compared to non-exercise controls, with strong evidence from the American College of Sports Medicine 4, 6
• Individuals with higher levels of osteoarthritis-related pain and disability may benefit more from exercise therapy, according to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence 4, 6
• Exercise is unlikely to be harmful and provides multifaceted benefits for general health and comorbid conditions, regardless of osteoarthritis status, as recommended by the World Health Organization 4, 6