More than a third of adults with arthritis don’t exercise at all and those who do are not doing it enough, according to new study results. Researchers at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said the trend is particularly disturbing because it is well known that being more active eases arthritis symptoms, including pain and disability.

While exercise has been shown to decrease pain, delay disability and improve gait and function, people with arthritis are even more likely to be inactive than adults in the general population. Yet, just 37 % of adults with arthritis met the least stringent physical activity guidelines established by a panel of arthritis experts. Both aerobic and strengthening exercises have been shown to help people with arthritis.

Fear of pain, depression, severe joint pain and the misconception that exercise can harm joints are factors that keep people with arthritis from exercising, researchers say. The study was reported in the May issue of the American Journal of Preventive Medicine.