Accelerometer-Based Physical Activity Patterns and Associations With Outcomes Among Individuals With Osteoarthritis

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Osteoarthritis (OA) significantly impacts daily life, affecting pain, physical function, fatigue, and sleep.
• Understanding the relationship between physical activity patterns and these symptoms is vital for effective OA management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the patterns of physical activity, specifically sedentary behavior, in individuals with knee or hip osteoarthritis.
• To examine the associations between sedentary behavior and key OA-related outcomes: pain, function, fatigue, and sleep disturbance.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 54 participants with OA were assessed at baseline for a physical activity coaching intervention.
• Objective physical activity data were collected using accelerometers worn for at least 3 days.
• Self-reported outcomes included pain and function (WOMAC), fatigue (NRS), and sleep disturbance (PROMIS).

Main Results:

• Participants exhibited high levels of sedentary behavior across all times of day: 65.6% of mornings, 70.0% of afternoons, and 76.6% of evenings.
• Sedentary time showed the strongest associations with outcomes in the afternoon, particularly with WOMAC function.
• Evening sedentary time was most significantly correlated with increased fatigue.

Conclusions:

• Findings underscore the importance of reducing sedentary behavior in adults diagnosed with osteoarthritis.
• Behavioral interventions for OA may be enhanced by addressing within-day variations in patient symptoms and activity levels.