Taking regular exercise could help improve the quality of life for those who suffer from arthritis, while also reducing medical costs, according to a new study partly sponsored by the US National Institutes of Health.

Researchers investigated results from a nationwide study, which examined 4,700 adults who had been diagnosed with, or were at risk of, arthritis of the knee.

In their findings the researchers were able to show that meeting national US physical activity guidelines could potentially add up to 20 days of good health in one year for patients, with the findings scheduled to be presented at the annual American College of Rheumatology meeting in San Diego, US (click here to find out more about the US physical activity guidelines).

Participants of the study were asked to wear an accelerometer for one week as the researchers measured their physical activity levels.

Once they had been measured, the participants were then split into three groups with physical activity and quality of life measurements being made at the start of the study and then again two years later.

The first group was made up of those who were meeting national physical activity guidelines. The second consisted of participants who were not active enough, but who did partake in some moderate to vigorous exercise at times, while the third group featured people who were inactive.

It was found that the quality-adjusted life years of participants who kept up with the exercise guidelines were higher than those who were somewhat active or totally inactive.

The researchers were able to estimate that exercise could have the potential benefit of adding between 10 and 20 more days of good health every year for those who are suffering or were at risk of the condition. With these benefits also contributing to reduced health costs.

The study, however, is only considered preliminary as it is yet to be quantified by other peers working in the sector. Once this occurs, the research will be presented in a peer-reviewed medical journal to be read and distributed.