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Reducing Arthritis-Related Joint Pain through Increased Walking Duration

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Research conducted at the University of Massachusetts Boston has highlighted the significant impact of walking duration on arthritis-related joint pain among older adults. Investigators used data from the 2019 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) to analyze the association between walking duration and joint pain levels. The study found that older adults who walked for 151 minutes or more per week experienced a substantial reduction in joint pain levels compared to those who walked for shorter durations.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study used data from the 2019 BRFSS, focusing on respondents aged 50 and older who self-reported a physician diagnosis of arthritis (N = 31,067).
  • Weekly walking duration and joint pain level (none, mild, moderate, severe) were self-reported by the participants.
  • A multinomial logistic regression model was applied to examine associations between walking duration and joint pain levels, controlling for age, gender education, income, and race/ethnicity.
  • Walking 151 min/week was associated with a 15%-28% reduction in the odds of experiencing moderate joint pain and a 23%-30% reduction in the odds of experiencing severe joint pain compared with walking.
  • The study concluded that barriers to walking should be addressed in clinical assessments and nursing interventions to enhance effectiveness.
  • The research has been peer-reviewed and published in the journal Pain Management Nursing.

Statistics:

  • 31,067 respondents participated in the 2019 BRFSS survey, all of whom self-reported a physician diagnosis of arthritis.
  • 151 minutes of walking per week was found to be associated with a significant reduction in joint pain levels.
  • Moderate joint pain was reduced by 15%-28% among those who walked 151 minutes or more per week.
  • Severe joint pain was reduced by 23%-30% among those who walked 151 minutes or more per week.

Sources:

  • Walking Duration and Arthritis-Related Joint Pain in Older Adults: Findings From the 2019 BRFSS Survey. Pain Management Nursing, 2025.
  • NewsRx. New Arthritis Study Findings Reported from University of Massachusetts Boston (Walking Duration and Arthritis-Related Joint Pain in Older Adults: Findings From the 2019 BRFSS Survey). Health & Medicine Week. October 24, 2025; p 2225.

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