Complete physical rest for the joints is not advisable in osteoarthritis because the joint cartilage can only be adequately nourished when the joint is being moved. Joint-saving sports such as swimming are especially suitable, in which the joint is kept mobile but does not bear any weight.

In order to prevent further load on the joint, any excess weight should be reduced. A weight loss of 5.5 kg halves the risk of developing osteoarthritis of the knee.

The following types of sports are particularly suitable for patients with knee arthritis (gonarthritis):

• Cycling: Cycling training – even on an exercise bike or ergometer - is a sport especially suitable for patients with gonarthritis because the knee joint is exposed to a continuous and even movement without having to bear the body's weight. Choose the lower gears whenever possible to minimise the load on the knee joint. Adjust the saddle so that your heels just touch the pedals.
• Power walking: Power walking is the alternative to jogging for people with arthritis of the knee because the load on the joint is lower with power walking (jogging: 2.5 to 3.0 times the body weight, power walking 1.0 to 1.5 times the body weight). It is important to wear shoes that provide adequate support and have above average shock-absorbing properties. Paths in woods, fields or sand are more suitable than asphalt.
• Aquajogging: Movement in water is particularly recommended for patients with arthritis because the buoyancy in water considerably reduces the load on joints. A higher water temperature of about 30°C also has positive effects. Aquajogging is also possible with a buoyancy jacket. The load on the joints is fully relieved through the buoyancy of the water, while muscles are strengthened at the same time. Aquajogging also has positive effects on the cardiovascular system and on metabolism.
• Swimming: Like aquajogging, swimming is very good for arthritis patients due to the buoyancy of the water. The best stroke for patients with gonarthritis is the crawl. The movements of the leg muscles when doing the crawl is better for strengthening the muscles than with the breast-stroke, which requires scissor-like movements of the legs. A higher water temperature is also recommended for swimming.