Question at position 3 People suffering from osteoarthritis can improve their mobility through engaging in regular physical activity, but should avoid exercises that:Strengthen the surrounding musclesDirectly load the affected jointsInduce osteogenesisReduce the risk of fallsClear my selection单项选择题
A
Strengthen the surrounding muscles
B
Directly load the affected joints
C
Induce osteogenesis
D
Reduce the risk of falls

Question

Question at position 3 People suffering from osteoarthritis can improve their mobility through engaging in regular physical activity, but should avoid exercises that:Strengthen the surrounding musclesDirectly load the affected jointsInduce osteogenesisReduce the risk of fallsClear my selection单项选择题

A

Strengthen the surrounding muscles

B

Directly load the affected joints

C

Induce osteogenesis

D

Reduce the risk of falls

BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease where articular cartilage and subchondral bone are compromised; therefore activities that increase compressive and shear forces across the damaged joint should be avoided.

1. Relevant knowledge points and concepts
- Osteoarthritis (OA) causes pain and structural breakdown in load-bearing joints.  
- Exercise is therapeutic: strengthening periarticular muscles, improving range of motion, balance, and aerobic fitness are recommended.  
- High-impact or directly loading activities can increase joint contact forces and provoke pain or accelerate cartilage wear.  
- Inducing osteogenesis (bone-loading) and fall-prevention are generally beneficial goals, not contraindications.

2. Step-by-step reasoning
- Evaluate each option against OA management principles:
  a) Strengthen the surrounding muscles — Recommended: stronger muscles offload joints and improve stability.  
  b) Directly load the affected joints — Potentially harmful: direct, repetitive high loads increase compressive stress on already damaged cartilage.  
  c) Induce osteogenesis — Weight-bearing to maintain bone density can be useful; not specifically contraindicated in OA unless it causes painful joint loading.  
  d) Reduce the risk of falls — Desirable: fall prevention reduces injury risk and preserves joint function.

3. Intermediate evaluation steps (logical checks)
- Does the option reduce joint stress? (Yes for strengthening muscles.)  
- Does the option increase joint contact forces? (Yes for direct loading.)  
- Does it align with goals of pain reduction, function preservation, and safety? (Yes for strengthening, osteogenesis where appropriate, and fall reduction.)

4. Why the correct answer is correct
Directly loading the affected joints increases compressive and shear forces on already degenerating cartilage and can worsen symptoms or damage; hence exercises that directly load the affected joint (especially high-impact or repetitive loading) should be avoided in OA management.

5. Why the other options are incorrect
- Strengthening the surrounding muscles: beneficial, reduces joint load and improves function.  
- Induce osteogenesis: generally beneficial for bone health; not a blanket contraindication (modify to avoid painful joint loading).  
- Reduce the risk of falls: desirable and recommended.