International Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
Open Access
ISSN: 2329-9096
+44 1300 500008
ISSN: 2329-9096
+44 1300 500008
Simon Van Cauwenbergh, Lucas M Marques, Sara P Barbosa, Sabrina ST Uchiyama, Gilson T Shinzato, Marcel Simis, Felipe Fregni, Marta Imamura* and Linamara R Battistella
Background: Osteoarthritis is a leading cause of disability for which the Western Ontario and the McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) is a common evaluation tool. This exploratory cross-sectional analysis aims to identify predictors of the WOMAC in Knee Osteoarthritis (KOA) patients.
Methods: We analyzed data from the KOA group of the DEFINE cohort. Variables were selected for univariate analysis with WOMAC pain, stiffness, physical function subscores and total score. Variables multivariate regression models were built which were then tested for confounders and post-regression assumptions.
Results: 81.52% was female and mean Body Mass Index (BMI) was 31.76 ± 5.41 kg/m². A majority of the sample had bilateral KOA. WOMAC pain is predicted by sex, higher number of periarticular lesions, lower peak torque of knee extension, lower pain pressure threshold of the lower limb, worse Epworth sleepiness scale, worse emotional wellbeing (SF36), more pain catastrophizing and more depression assessed with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale with age being a confounder (adjusted R²=0.64). Physical function was predicted by ultrasound lesions, lower limb pain pressure threshold, six minutes walking test, bodily pain and general health of the SF36 and sex as confounder (adjusted R²=0.61).
Conclusion: Main findings suggest that lesions around the knee assessed with ultrasound and lower pain pressure threshold are relevant predictors for both pain and worse physical function assessed by WOMAC and could be possible targets for treatment. Also the differences between the models demonstrate that a patient tailored approach guided by its main symptoms is warranted.
Published Date: 2024-04-10; Received Date: 2024-03-05