Association Between Depressive Symptoms and Self-Reported Physical Activity in Persons With Knee Osteoarthritis
Alan M Rathbun1, Alice S Ryan2, Michelle D Shardell3
1A.M. Rathbun, PhD, MPH, M.C. Hochberg, MD, MPH, Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, and Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland; arathbun@som.umaryland.edu.
The Journal of Rheumatology
|February 15, 2025
Summary
Depressive symptoms may lower physical activity in knee osteoarthritis patients. Further research is needed to confirm this link and explore its impact on physical function.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Psychiatry
- Gerontology
Background:
- Depressive symptoms are prevalent in knee osteoarthritis (KOA) patients, potentially reducing energy and motivation.
- Declines in physical activity (PA) may exacerbate KOA progression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the longitudinal relationship between depressive symptoms and self-reported PA in individuals with KOA.
Main Methods:
- The study analyzed 2602 participants from the Osteoarthritis Initiative with radiographic KOA.
- Depressive symptoms (CES-D score ≥ 16) and PA (PASE score) were assessed over four visits.
- Marginal structural models were used to evaluate the longitudinal association between depressive symptoms and PA.
Main Results:
- A non-statistically significant association was found between depressive symptoms and lower PA over time (β -0.09).
- The relationship showed a nonlinear trend across follow-up visits, but interaction terms were not significant.
Conclusions:
- Depressive symptoms might negatively impact self-reported physical activity levels in KOA patients.
- Further research is warranted to explore if reduced PA due to depression leads to decreased physical function.
