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The Best Type of Exercise that Generates the Least Force on the Knee

Biking is the exercise that produces the least impact on the knee, and hence the best lifetime exercise for those who have undergone a total knee replacement, according to orthopedic researchers from Scripps Clinic in La Jolla, Calif. 

Biking is also a good exercise for strenthening the muscles that support the knee. 

Specifically, the findings from their study revealed the following impact on the knee:

• Biking = 1.3 times the person’s body weight.
• Treadmill = 2.05 times the body weight.
• Walking on level ground = 2.6 times the body weight.
• Tennis = 3.1 to 3.8 times the body weight, with serving producing the highest impact. Doubles tennis, instead of singles is often recommended to patients who have undergone total knee replacement (TKR), as it is less stressful to the knee.
• Golf swings = 4.5 times body weight on the forward knee and 3.2 times body weight in the opposite knee. The researchers noted however that the impact from a golf swing occurred in an instant, while the forces produced by jogging are constant, which is worse. Golfers, who have previously undergone TKR, might want to consider consulting with a pro to modify the swing so that less force is exerted on the knee.
• Jogging = 4.3 times body weight. Because of this repeated impact on the knee, it is advisable for people who’ve undergone knee replacement to give up jogging altogether and switch to another form of exercise.

SOURCE: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeon’s annual meeting April 2008

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