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Knee pain and disability in the community
T E McAlindon1, C Cooper, J R Kirwan
1Department of Rheumatology, Bristol Royal Infirmary.
British Journal of Rheumatology
|March 1, 1992
Summary
Knee pain is common in older adults, especially women, and is linked to increased disability in both upper and lower limb activities. This study highlights a significant association between knee pain and functional limitations in this demographic.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Rheumatology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Knee pain is a prevalent condition in aging populations.
- Understanding the relationship between knee pain and disability is crucial for public health initiatives.
- Previous research indicates potential gender and age-related differences in musculoskeletal complaints.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between knee pain and disability in individuals over 55 years old.
- To determine if knee pain correlates with upper and lower limb functional limitations.
- To explore demographic factors, such as age and gender, in the prevalence of knee pain and disability.
Main Methods:
- A postal questionnaire survey was administered to 2102 men and women aged over 55.
- Participants were registered at a general practice in Bristol.
- A response rate of 80.6% was achieved after two reminders.
Main Results:
- Knee pain was reported by 27.6% of respondents, with higher prevalence in women.
- Disability was more frequently reported in women and increased with age (P < 0.05).
- Respondents experiencing knee pain showed significantly greater disability in both upper and lower limb activities (P < 0.05).
Conclusions:
- Knee pain is a significant predictor of disability in older adults, affecting both upper and lower limb function.
- Women and older individuals are more susceptible to both knee pain and associated disability.
- These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions to manage knee pain and mitigate disability in the aging population.