Weight loss and exercise can play a major role in easing pain and increasing mobility in people with arthritis of the knee, according to new research.

A US study on 400 people suffering from knee osteoarthritis divided the patients into two groups: one group of patients was encouraged to lose weight and the other group was given an exercise regime.

All patients reported improvements of 50% in pain, function and mobility.

The researchers said patients should be able to report major improvements in pain and function within six months of an intensive diet and exercise regime.

The findings, from a research team in Wake Forest University in North Carolina, were presented at the annual conference of the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) in Chicago.

According to Arthritis Ireland, taking regular exercise and keeping to a healthy weight is an essential part of controlling pain and inflammation associated with arthritis.

The support organisation has a network of walking groups which operate throughout the year.

Knee osteoarthritis is one of the most common forms of the disease and is caused by cartilage breakdown in the knee joint.