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Walking reduces risk of functional limitation associated with knee osteoarthritis (OA), according to a new study. 

The study suggested that walking 6000 or more steps per day may protect those with or at risk of knee of OA from developing mobility issues like difficulty in getting up from a chair and climbing stairs. 

According to recent reports, nearly 27 million Americans aged 25 and older are diagnosed with OA. The reports also suggested that knee OA is the leading cause of functional limitation among older adults. 

"Our study examines if more walking equates with better functioning, and if so, how much daily walking is needed to minimize risk of developing problems with mobility in people with knee OA," said Daniel White, PT, ScD, from Sargent College at Boston University in Massachusetts, in the press release. 

The study, considered around 1788 people with or at risk for knee OA. Subjects were also the part of Multicenter Osteoarthritis Study. Researchers measured walking with a monitor over seven days. 

"Walking is an inexpensive activity and despite the common popular goal of walking 10,000 steps per day, our study finds only 6,000 steps are necessary to realize benefits. We encourage those with or at risk of knee OA to walk at least 3,000 or more steps each day, and ultimately progress to 6,000 steps daily to minimize the risk of developing difficulty with mobility," concluded  Dr. White. 

The study has been detailed in the journal Arthritis Care & Research.