Interventions to prevent the onset or progression of MSK issues

1)      Physical activity – guidance for adults 19-64

All adults should aim to be active daily and should include undertaking moderate physical activity to improve muscle strength on at least 2 days a week, such as exercising with weights, yoga or carrying heavy shopping. This can help lower the risk of sarcopenia, or loss of muscle mass, which is associated with ageing but can occur in response to immobility at any age.

As well as being physically active, all adults are advised to minimise the time spent being sedentary (sitting) for extended periods. Even among individuals who are active at the recommended levels, spending large amounts of time being sedentary may increase the risk of some health outcomes, including early death, type 2 diabetes and some types of cancer.

Sedentary behaviours are impacted by age, gender, socio-economic conditions, occupation, weight status and some characteristics of the physical environment. Many adults spend in excess of 7 hours per day being sedentary, and this typically increases with age.

2)      Maintain a healthy weight and balanced diet

Supporting people to maintain a healthy weight along with physical activity from an earlier age can reduce the risks of developing MSK conditions such as back pain and osteoarthritis of the knee.

In 2015, 58% of women and 68% of men were overweight or obese according to NHS Digital statistics. Obesity prevalence has increased from 15% in 1993 to 27% in 2015. Obesity prevalence varies with age for both males and females, with the highest levels in the 55 to 64 age group.

Obesity is a strong risk factor for the development of osteoarthritis of the knee. A meta-analysis of observational studies published in 2011 estimated that people with a healthy weight (a body mass index below 25) are less likely to develop osteoarthritis of the knee than those who are obese.

3)      Stop smoking

Smoking plays a role in the progressive decline of the body’s major systems, including MSK, respiratory and cardiovascular systems, cognitive function, oral health and vision.

Smoking has a negative impact on bone mineral density, with evidence of damage apparent from as early as the late teens that increases with age.

Much of the MSK harm and risk caused by smoking arises from smoking in middle years. However, it can be prevented by cessation as a young adult or partially reversed by quitting in later years.