Marian Minor found that patients with arthritis who learned exercise habits through physical activity interventions reported decreases in pain and increases in physical functioning, compared to patients who did not participate in interventions.

The researchers completed a meta-analysis incorporating data from 4,111 participants in 28 studies that included people with osteoarthritis, knee arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Only studies that measured physical activity after the completion of the intervention were included.

The analysis, published in Seminars in Arthritis and Rheumatism, said the educational components helped patients maintain increased physical activity levels as well as increased muscle strength and better mental health.

"Healthcare providers have a responsibility to educate patients and help them maintain effective physical activity habits," Minor said.

"It is important that people diagnosed with arthritis have someone to look to for education and help with managing their symptoms. This is a public health priority, and health providers need to teach people to take control of their own health and improve their lives."