Researchers from Baylor College of Medicine in the United States report that individuals who cycle on a regular basis tend to experience less knee discomfort and have a lower risk of developing osteoarthritis. The findings were published in the journal Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise (MSSE).
The study gathered data from more than 2,600 participants aged 45 to 79. Participants detailed the physical activities they most often engaged in during three life stages: adolescence (ages 12 to 18), young adulthood (ages 19 to 34), and middle age (ages 35 to 49). They also noted how frequently they rode bicycles, used a stationary bike, or cycled in daily life.
Upon analyzing health information collected from the volunteers, researchers observed that those who had cycle activity at any point in their lives showed a lower likelihood of radiographic osteoarthritis (ROA) and symptomatic radiographic knee osteoarthritis (SOA). Osteoarthritis involves inflammation of the joint’s synovial membrane, which can lead to the breakdown of cartilage and underlying bone tissue over time.
Specifically, the data revealed that individuals who enjoyed cycling were about 17 percent less likely to report frequent knee pain, around 9 percent less likely to develop ROA, and roughly 21 percent less likely to develop SOA. The researchers also noted that maintaining a lifelong cycling habit correlated with even greater reductions in the probability of osteoarthritis, suggesting cumulative benefits with sustained activity.
These observations align with a broader understanding that regular, moderate cardiovascular exercise supported by joint-friendly activities can contribute to joint health. Cycling, in particular, provides aerobic conditioning while delivering a low-impact workout that minimizes excessive stress on the knees when performed with proper technique and appropriate resistance. While the study highlights correlations, it also points toward the potential value of incorporating cycling into long-term lifestyle choices for those seeking to preserve knee function and mitigate osteoarthritis risk. This supports the idea that physical activity patterns established earlier in life can influence joint health in later years, encouraging people to consider consistent cycling as part of a balanced fitness routine.
Historically, cycling has been discussed as a prudent option for supporting knee health and mobility. These findings contribute to a growing body of evidence that steady engagement in cycling activities—whether outdoors on a bike or indoors on a stationary model—can be a meaningful component of strategies aimed at reducing the burden of knee osteoarthritis across populations. The implications are relevant for health professionals advising midlife and older adults who are seeking sustainable ways to stay active while protecting joint integrity.