SETRADE and OAFI JOIN FORCES TO prevent osteoarthritis in SPORTSMEN AND WOMEN

• Both institutions promote clinical research projects of new pharmacological treatments to improve the joint health of athletes
• Osteoarthritis is the most common chronic pathology among athletes and top-level sportsment and women.

The Spanish Society of Sports Traumatology (SETRADE) and Osteoarthritis Foundation International (OAFI) have signed an agreement to work together on clinical research projects linked to the development of new pharmacological treatments aimed at protecting and improving joint health in athletes.

The practice of  medium and high competition sport is one of the main risk factors for developing chondral lesions. These osteoarticular affectations frequently lead to osteoarthritis. Dr. Josep Vergés – President of OAFI – states that: “The constant use of joints in the practice of certain contact or impact sports such as football, basketball, tennis or athletics propitiates the development of osteoarthritis at an early age.”

According to the study published in 2011 by the journal Arthritis and Rheumatism, 29% of elite footballers are at risk of developing osteoarthritis. The same is true in the case of 31% of weightlifters, 14% of runners and 3% of amateur footballers.

“Medical advice on the prevention of chondral injury in athletes is of vital importance. From a young age, people who wish to engage in moderate or intense physical activity should have regular medical check-ups and follow the recommendations of specialists to protect their joint health” says Dr. Jordi Ardèvol, President of SETRADE.

With the signing of this collaboration agreement, both entities will join efforts to improve the quality of life of athletes with osteoarthritis and help in the prevention and treatment of the disease.