The Association Between Physical Activity Levels and Severity of Knee Osteoarthritis

Background: Knee osteoarthritis is a disabling joint disease, resulting in cartilage degeneration and joint damage. The relation between physical activity levels and the severity of the disease is controversial. Aim of the study: To assess the level of physical activity among patients with knee OA and its impact on disease severity. Patients and Methods: This is a cross -sectional study, which includes a total of 100 consecutive patients with knee osteoarthritis. Data was collected using a pre -structured questionnaire, which included patient's bio -demographic and clinical data on knee OA. The level of physical activity was assessed using the global physical activity questionnaire. The severity of knee OA was assessed using the Kellgren -Lawrence classification. Results: Patients age ranged from 44 to 78 years, with a mean of 56.88.7 years. Eighty two percent of patients were females. The mean duration of osteoarthritis was 4.82.5 years. Disease severity, was predominantly reported as grade 1 among 58%, grade II= 25%, grade III=10% and grade IV= 7% respectively. Eighty two percent of the participants were using medications for pain relief and 54.0% had co -morbidities. Age was statistically different between severity grades (P -value < 0.001). Also, diabetes was more prevalent in advanced stages of the disease (grade III and IV), (P -value < 0.001). a similar trend was found regarding the use of medications (P -value = 0.008) and disease duration (P -value < 0.001). Twenty one percent of participants had active jobs, while 79% are either unemployed or retired. Thirteen percent were regularly attending physiotherapy sessions and only 4% were doing home exercises. There was no significant difference between the severity grades regarding Job status, attending physiotherapy sessions and doing home exercises. Moderate activity and walking were significantly lower in advanced disease (P -value 0.008) and (<0.001) respectively, while vigorous activity levels were not statistically significant. Conversely, mean sedentary time was higher in grade III and IV compared to grade I and II (P -value < 0.001). A statistical association was found regarding way of Muslim praying (P -value = 0.01), climbing stairs (P -value < 0.001), and type of WC used (P -value = 0.002). Conclusions: Moderate level of physical activity was associated with less knee OA severity while Sedentary behavior was associated with increasing disease severity.