Exercise Shows Limited Benefit for Hip Osteoarthritis, Review Finds

A large systematic review published in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews examined 18 clinical trials involving 1,368 people with hip osteoarthritis. Researchers from the University of Sydney and the University of Melbourne found that exercise likely reduces pain, but the improvement was modest—about 7 points on a 100‑point scale—insufficient for many patients to experience a meaningful change in daily life.

Health experts also emphasize that regular physical activity supports healthy aging. Simple exercises such as walking, step‑ups, squats, modified push‑ups, and single‑leg balance can improve cardiovascular fitness, muscle strength, bone density, and reduce the risk of falls in older adults.