Physical Activity and Future Physical Function: Data From the Osteoarthritis Initiative

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Biomedical Engineering
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Declining physical function is a significant concern for aging populations.
• Osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent condition that exacerbates functional decline.
• Previous research on physical activity and OA relied on subjective measures, introducing bias.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between objectively measured physical activity and future physical function in adults at risk of or with OA.
• To mitigate selection bias using propensity score matching (PSM) techniques.
• To provide reliable evidence for physical activity interventions in OA management.

Main Methods:

• Utilized data from 687 participants in the Osteoarthritis Initiative.
• Categorized participants into physically active (n=280) and inactive (n=407) groups based on baseline accelerometer data.
• Employed PSM and ordinary least squares (OLS) linear regression to analyze the association between physical activity and functional tests (400-m walk, 20-m gait speed, chair stand) at 4-year follow-up.

Main Results:

• Objectively measured physical activity was significantly associated with better performance on the 400-m walk test.
• No significant association was found between physical activity and 20-m gait speed or chair stand test performance.
• PSM analysis confirmed the robust association between physical activity and improved 400-m walk performance.

Conclusions:

• Objective physical activity is linked to preserved physical function, specifically in walking endurance, among adults with or at risk of OA.
• The findings support the importance of promoting physical activity to maintain functional mobility in aging populations with OA.
• Future research should explore the specific types and intensities of physical activity most beneficial for different functional outcomes in OA.