Urbanization increases risk for knee osteoarthritis, even in young children
Many countries with agricultural-based economies are experiencing rapid urbanization as they transition to market-based economies. On top of the the broad societal changes experienced in these countries, research is studying the significant health consequences that this rapid urbanization can cause.
Many of the health changes associated with urbanization are thought to be a direct result from reductions in physical activity levels. As physical activity is well documented to be protective against many ailments, such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and some types of cancer, urbanization has the potential to negatively impact human health. A recent study has indicated that the urbanization additionally may have widespread effects on the joints of its citizens.
In a study from Nicholas Holowka and Ian Wallace, Harvard University, the University of Buffalo, and the University of New Mexico, knee cartilage thickness was examined via ultrasonography in children living in both urban and rural Kenya. Western Kenya is an ideal location to study the effects of urbanization as many small communities still practice small-scale farming while being closely located to the more populated city of Eldoret. Children from ages 8 to 17 were recruited in order to see how knee cartilage thickness changed throughout childhood.
