Weekend warriors might want to think twice about pushing themselves if they have knee osteoarthritis as new data suggests too much exercise can worsen the condition just as much as too little.

US-led researchers say patients with knee osteoarthritis, particularly men, should aim for the ‘Goldilocks zone’ of a moderate amount of physical activity to minimise joint space narrowing (JSN).

The findings could guide advice on optimal amounts of activity in knee osteoarthritis, they said.

Their analysis was based on data from more than 2100 participants (mean age 62) from the Osteoarthritis Initiative, a longitudinal, prospective observational study funded by the US Government. Over four years’ follow-up, almost one-third of patients (29%) had worsening JSN, which was assessed annually via bilateral knee radiographs.