Of Mice and Men: Gout and Exercise

Abstract

The World Health Organization (WHO) reported in 2009 that a lack of exercise or a sedentary lifestyle was the fourth leading risk factor for mortality, accounting for an estimated 6% of all deaths worldwide [1]. The integrative care guidelines for rheumatoid arthritis strongly recommend exercise over no exercise, but the exercise type, frequency, intensity, and duration were not formally defined because the evidence on exercise interventions is limited [2].

Gout is the most common inflammatory arthritis worldwide, but despite the potential benefits of exercise for gout patients, research remains limited. The 2021 EULAR recommendations regarding lifestyle behaviors suggest that people with rheumatic diseases should perform aerobic and strengthening exercises [3]. The 2020 American College of Rheumatology (ACR) guidelines for managing gout do not include recommendations regarding exercise [4]. On the contrary, despite scarce evidence, rheumatologists recommend resting the involved joints during flares [5]. Our paper briefly overviews exercise and comorbidities associated with gout and highlights the scientific evidence underpinning what is known about exercise in gout patients.

All authors were involved in drafting or revising the article critically for important intellectual content, and all authors approved the final version for publication.

N.S.: Advisor or Review Panel Member: Olatec, AMGEN, SOBI, Protalix, Shanton, Arthrosi, Scilex; M.D.: scientific advisor for Immunis.

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.