The article discusses a groundbreaking study that demonstrates the potential for a small walking adjustment to delay knee surgery for years. Researchers from the University of Utah, New York University, and Stanford University conducted a year-long randomized control trial that showed participants who made a small adjustment to the angle of their foot while walking experienced pain relief equivalent to medication. Critically, those participants also showed less knee cartilage degradation over that period as compared to a group that received a placebo treatment.

The study, published in The Lancet Rheumatology, was co-led by Scott Uhlrich of Utah’s John and Marcia Price College of Engineering. The researchers specifically looked at patients with mild-to-moderate osteoarthritis in the medial compartment of the knee, which tends to bear more weight than the lateral compartment. This form of osteoarthritis is the most common, but the ideal foot angle for reducing load in the medial side of the knee differs from person to person depending on their natural gait and how it changes when they adopt the new walking pattern.

The researchers used a personalized approach to selecting each individual’s new walking pattern, which improved how much individuals could offload their knee and likely contributed to the positive effect on pain and cartilage that they saw. In the first two visits, participants received a baseline MRI and practiced walking on a pressure-sensitive treadmill while motion-capture cameras recorded the mechanics of their gait.

This allowed the researchers to determine whether turning the patient’s toe inward or outward would reduce load more, and whether a 5° or 10° adjustment would be ideal. The personalized analysis also screened out potential participants who could not benefit from the intervention, as none of the foot angle changes could decrease loading in their knees.

The study found that participants in the intervention group reported a significant decrease in pain over the placebo group, which was comparable to what would be expected from an over-the-counter medication like ibuprofen or a narcotic like oxycontin. The MRIs also showed slower degradation of knee cartilage health in the intervention group.

Beyond the quantitative measures of effectiveness, participants expressed enthusiasm for both the approach and the results. One participant said they were thrilled with their new gait, which would be with them for the rest of their days.

The researchers believe that this intervention could help fill the large treatment gap for people with osteoarthritis, who may experience decades of pain management before being recommended for a joint replacement. The study’s findings have significant implications for the treatment and management of knee osteoarthritis, and future studies are needed to further develop and refine this approach.

The article’s core idea is that a single bout of either resistance or high intensity interval training could help in the cancer battle by increasing levels of myokines, a protein produced by muscles which have anti-cancer effects. Here’s the rewritten article:

A groundbreaking study from Edith Cowan University (ECU) has shed light on the potential benefits of exercise for cancer patients. Researchers found that a single bout of either resistance or high intensity interval training could help reduce cancer cell growth by 20 to 30 per cent.

PhD student Mr Francesco Bettariga led the research, which measured myokine levels in breast cancer survivors before, immediately after, and 30 minutes post-exercise. The results showed that both types of exercise increased myokine levels, a protein produced by muscles with anti-cancer effects.

“The results from this study are excellent motivators to add exercise as standard care in the treatment of cancer,” Mr Bettariga said. His research aimed to investigate whether breast cancer survivors would see similar benefits compared to a healthy population, given the impact that cancer treatments and cancer itself often has on the body.

Further research by Mr Bettariga investigated how changes in body composition, following consistent exercise, could impact inflammation, which plays a key role in breast cancer recurrence and mortality. The study found that reducing fat mass and increasing lean mass through exercise could help decrease inflammation, making it a more supportive environment for cancer survivors.

“Strategies are needed to reduce inflammation which may provide a less supportive environment for cancer progression,” Mr Bettariga said. He stressed the importance of consistent exercise, stating that quick fixes to reduce fat mass would not have the same beneficial effects.

“You never want to reduce your weight without exercising, because you need to build or preserve muscle mass and produce these chemicals that you can’t do through just diet alone.” The long-term implications of elevated myokine levels should be further investigated, particularly in relation to cancer recurrence.

The relationship between potatoes and type 2 diabetes has long been debated. While it’s known that potatoes contain several essential nutrients like fiber, vitamin C, and magnesium, their high starch content also contributes to a higher glycemic index, potentially increasing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. A recent study published in The BMJ sheds new light on this topic by investigating the association between different potato preparation methods and the risk of type 2 diabetes.

Researchers analyzed data from over 205,000 health professionals across three large US studies conducted between 1984 and 2021. Participants were free of diabetes, heart disease, or cancer and completed detailed food questionnaires every four years. The study found that for every three weekly servings of total potato, the rate of type 2 diabetes increased by 5%. However, a similar intake of baked, boiled, or mashed potatoes was not associated with a significantly increased risk.

In contrast, eating French fries three times a week was linked to a 20% higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Replacing total potatoes or baked, boiled, or mashed potatoes with whole grains lowered the type 2 diabetes rate by 8%. Substituting French fries with whole grains reduced the risk by 19%. On the other hand, replacing total potatoes or baked, boiled, or mashed potatoes with white rice increased the risk of type 2 diabetes.

This observational study highlights that the association between potato intake and type 2 diabetes risk depends on the specific foods used as replacement. The findings align with current dietary recommendations promoting whole grains as part of a healthy diet for preventing type 2 diabetes.

While baked, boiled, or mashed potatoes can be part of a healthy and sustainable diet, especially when prepared in moderation, it’s essential to consider preparation methods and replacement foods when guiding the public or informing policy. Future studies from diverse populations that account for both preparation methods and substitution analysis are needed to further understand this relationship and provide more tailored recommendations.

In conclusion, the French fry effect is a significant concern, but not all potatoes are created equal. By being mindful of our potato choices and making informed decisions about food substitutions, we can reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes and promote overall well-being.