Comparison of Disease Severity, Physical Fitness Parameters, and Physical Activity Levels According to Pain Intensity in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Objective: The study aims to evaluate disease severity, physical fitness parameters, and physical activity levels in individuals with knee osteoarthritis (OA) based on pain intensity. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the physiotherapy and rehabilitation unit of a state hospital between September and December 2024. A total of 96 individuals diagnosed with knee OA, with a mean age of 57.36 ± 8.78 years, were included in the study. Pain intensity (Numerical Rating Scale (NRS)), disease severity (Lequesne Algofunctional Knee Index (LAKI)), body composition (Body Mass Index (BMI)), muscle strength and endurance (sit-ups test), flexibility (sit-and-reach test), cardiorespiratory endurance (6-minute walk test (6MWT), 30-second sit-to-stand test), physical activity levels (International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF)) were assessed. Participants were divided into 2 groups: Group 1 included those with an NRS score of 5 or below, and Group 2 included those with an NRS score above 5. Results: The groups were similar in terms of age, gender, BMI, and disease duration (P > .05). Group 2 had higher NRS and LAKI scores (both P = .001). Group 2 performed worse in the sit-ups test and the sit-and-reach test (P = .001, P = .047, respectively). The 6MWT, the 30-second sit-to-stand test, and the total IPAQ-SF score were higher in Group 1 (P = .008, P = .007, P = .019, respectively). However, there was no significant difference between the groups in the lateral trunk flexion tests (P > .05). Conclusion: Individuals with knee OA who have increased pain intensity were found to have higher disease severity and lower muscle strength and endurance, flexibility, cardiorespiratory endurance, and physical activity levels. This study demonstrates that increased pain intensity negatively affects body structure and functions and reduces participation in activities. © Content of this journal is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.