Racial Differences in Performance-Based Function and Potential Explanatory Factors Among Individuals With Knee Osteoarthritis

In individuals with knee osteoarthritis (OA), self-reported physical function is poorer in African Americans than in whites, but whether this difference holds true for objective assessments is unclear. The purpose of this study was to examine racial differences in performance-based physical function as well as potential underlying factors contributing to these racial differences.

Participants with knee OA from a randomized controlled trial completed the 2-minute step test (2MST), timed-up-and-go (TUG), and 30-second chair stand (30s-CST) at baseline. Race differences in performance-based function were assessed by logistic regression. Separate models were adjusted for sets of demographic, socioeconomic, psychological health, and physical health variables.

In individuals with knee OA (n = 322; 72% women, 22% African American, mean ± SD age 66 ± 11 years, mean ± SD body mass index 31 ± 8 kg/m² ), African Americans (versus whites) had greater unadjusted odds of poorer function (30s-CST odds ratio [OR] 2.79 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.65-4.72], 2MST OR 2.37 [95% CI 1.40-4.03], and TUG OR 3.71 [95% CI 2.16-6.36]). Relationships were maintained when adjusted for demographic and psychological health covariates, but they were either partially attenuated or nonsignificant when adjusted for physical health and socioeconomic covariates.

African American adults with knee OA had poorer unadjusted performance-based function than whites. Physical health and socioeconomic characteristics diminished these differences, emphasizing the fact that these factors may be important to consider in mitigating racial disparities in function.