Relative difference among 27 functional measures in patients with knee osteoarthritis: an exploratory cross-sectional
K Vårbakken1,2, H Lorås3, K G Nilsson4
1Department of Neuromedicine and Movement Science, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway. kjartanv@ntnu.no.
BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders
|October 23, 2019
Summary
This study found significant differences in pain, function, and psychosocial aspects between knee osteoarthritis (KOA) patients and healthy individuals. Questionnaires like KOOS and Örebro are recommended for assessing KOA patients.
Area of Science:
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Biomedical Engineering
- Clinical Biomechanics
Background:
- Effective interventions for knee osteoarthritis (KOA) require understanding biopsychosocial factors.
- Limited knowledge exists on International Classification of Function, Disability, and Health (ICF) deviations between KOA patients and controls.
- Quantifying these differences aids in selecting appropriate assessment measures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify differences between KOA patients and healthy controls across ICF dimensions (body function, activity, participation).
- To identify key measures for effective intervention planning in KOA management.
Main Methods:
- Exploratory cross-sectional case-control study comparing 28 KOA patients and 31 healthy controls.
- Utilized 27 physical and self-reported measures across ICF dimensions.
- Statistical analysis included independent t-tests, Chi-square, and Mann-Whitney U tests with Cohen's d for effect sizes.
Main Results:
- Very large differences observed in Pain NRS, Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Scale (KOOS), and Örebro Musculoskeletal psychosocial scale (P < 0.0001).
- Large differences noted in stair climb test (activity) and accelerometer-measured physical activity (participation).
- KOOS and Örebro scales demonstrated significant deviations across all ICF dimensions.
Conclusions:
- KOOS and Örebro questionnaires show substantial differences across ICF dimensions in KOA patients (aged 45-70).
- These measures are recommended for selecting supplementary assessments with strong links to effective KOA therapy.
- Further studies are needed to validate these findings and explore age-unadjusted conclusions.
