FUNCTIONAL CAPACITY IN PATIENTS WITH KNEE OSTEOARTHRITIS: CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics and Rehabilitation Science
• Clinical Exercise Physiology
• Rheumatology

Background:

• Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a prevalent, disabling inflammatory condition impacting daily living and functional capacity.
• KOA can lead to reduced physical function and an increased need for surgical intervention.
• Assessing functional capacity is crucial for managing KOA and guiding treatment strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the functional capacity of patients diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis (KOA).
• To utilize the six-minute walk test (6MWT) as a primary measure for assessing functional capacity in KOA patients.
• To correlate functional capacity with clinical and demographic factors in the KOA population.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study design was employed.
• Data collected included patient demographics (age, gender, weight, BMI), pain severity (Visual Analog Scale - VAS), physical disability (WOMAC index), and radiographic joint damage.
• The six-minute walk test (6MWT) was administered to assess functional capacity, alongside measurements of heart rate and oxygenation.

Main Results:

• 164 KOA patients (mean age 61.89 years, 81% female) were analyzed, with a high prevalence of obesity (81%) and comorbidities (67%).
• Patients reported moderate pain (VAS 47.74) and severe to very severe physical disability (WOMAC).
• The mean 6MWT distance was 354.03m (67% of predicted), with 68% achieving predicted heart rate, 12% showing significant oxygen desaturation, and 40% having impaired heart rate recovery.

Conclusions:

• Patients with knee osteoarthritis demonstrate significantly low functional capacity when assessed by the 6MWT.
• Physical deconditioning is a prominent characteristic in individuals with KOA.
• The 6MWT is a valuable tool for identifying functional limitations and deconditioning in KOA patients.