Functionality in Middle-Aged and Older Overweight and Obese Individuals with Knee Osteoarthritis

Patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA) suffer from immobility and pain. The objective of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the relationship between pain and functionality in middle-aged and older overweight and obese individuals with mild-to-moderate knee OA. Overall pattern, physical activity, and total energy expenditure (TEE) were assessed in 83 participants. The Western Ontario McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) was used to assess lower extremity pain and function. The six-minute walk test (6-MWT) and range of motion (ROM) were also assessed. Results indicated that age was inversely associated with body mass index (BMI) (r = 0.349) and total WOMAC scores (r = 0.247). BMI was positively associated with TEE (r = 0.430) and WOMAC scores (r = 0.268), while ROM was positively associated with the 6-MWT (r = 0.561) and negatively associated with WOMAC (r = 0.338) and pain scores (r = 0.222). Furthermore, women had significantly greater WOMAC scores (p = 0.046) than men. Older participants (≥65 years old) had significantly lower BMI (p = 0.002), and distance traveled during the 6-MWT (p = 0.013). Our findings indicate that older individuals in this population with knee OA had lower BMI, greater ROM, and less pain and stiffness and walked slower than middle-aged individuals. Women reported greater pain, stiffness, and reduced functionality, indicating that the manifestation of OA may vary due to gender.