Serum Cartilage Oligomeric Matrix Protein Concentration Increases More After Running Than Swimming for Older People.

Background: Knee osteoarthritis is common in older people. Serum cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (sCOMP) is a biomarker of knee articular cartilage metabolism. The purpose of this study was 2-fold: to (1) determine acute effects of running and swimming on sCOMP concentration in older people; and (2) investigate relationships between sCOMP concentration change due to running and swimming and measures of knee health in older people.

Hypotheses: Running would result in greater increase in sCOMP concentration than swimming, and increase in sCOMP concentration due to running and swimming would associate positively with measures of poor knee health.

Study Design: Cross-sectional.

Level Of Evidence: Level 3.

Methods: A total of 20 participants ran 5 km and 19 participants swam 1500 m. sCOMP concentration was measured immediately before, immediately after, and 15, 30, and 60 minutes after running or swimming. sCOMP concentration change due to running and swimming was compared. Correlations between sCOMP concentration change due to running and swimming, and other measures of knee health were evaluated, including the Tegner Activity Scale and Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score.

Results: sCOMP concentration increased 29% immediately after running, relative to baseline, but only 6% immediately after swimming ( < 0.01). No significant relationship was observed between acute sCOMP change due to running and swimming, and observed measures of knee health ( > 0.05). Participants with clinically relevant knee symptoms exhibited greater sCOMP concentration before and after running and swimming ( = 0.03) and had greater body mass ( = 0.04).

Conclusion: Running results in greater acute articular cartilage metabolism than swimming; however, the chronic effects of this are unclear. Older people with clinically relevant knee symptoms possess greater sCOMP concentration and are heavier, independent of exercise mode and physical activity level.

Clinical Relevance: These results describe the effects of exercise (running and swimming) for older physically active persons, with and without knee pain.