Are Physical Activity Levels Associated with Performance-Based Physical Function in Knee Osteoarthritis?

Abstract

Knee osteoarthritis affects millions of people worldwide with symptoms such as stiffness, pain and reduced function. Risk factors for knee osteoarthritis development include sex and body mass. A prevalent intervention for those with knee osteoarthritis is physical activity; however, the combined impact of sex and body mass on outcomes is currently under-investigated. Using participants from the Osteoarthritis Initiative, physical activity level was quantified by accelerometer and physical function was measured using performance based physical function tests. Linear regressions were used to analyze the relationship between physical activity, sex, body mass and physical function. Significant findings were found for gait speed with overweight males (p=0.024), and overweight (p=0.031) and obese females (p=0.026), and for aerobic capcity for overweight males (p=0.024) and all females regardless of bodyweight (p=0.030, p=0.016, p=0.046 respectively). Results highlight the importance of tailored recommendations for physical activity and the consideration of risk factors associated with knee osteoarthritis development.