title: Changes in self-reported disability after performance-based tests in obese and non-obese individuals diagnosed with osteoarthritis of the knee.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purposes of this study are three-fold: (1) To examine whether the WOMAC questionnaire should be obtained before or after performance-based tests. (2) To assess whether self-reported disability scores before and after performance-based tests differ between obese and non-obese individuals. (3) To observe whether physical activity and BMI predict self-reported disability before and after performance based tests.
  
  
  METHODS
  A longitudinal study included thirty one participants diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis (OA) using the Kellgren-Lawrence Scale by an orthopedic surgeon.
  
  
  RESULTS
  All WOMAC scores were significantly higher after as compared to before the completion of performance-based tests. This pattern of results suggested that the WOMAC questionnaire should be administered to individuals with OA after performance-based tests. The obese OA was significantly different compared to the non-obese OA group on all WOMAC scores. Physical activity and BMI explained a significant proportion of variance of self-reported disability.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Obese individuals with knee OA may over-estimate their ability to perform physical activities, and may under-estimate their level of disability compared to non-obese individuals with knee OA. In addition, self-reported physical activity seems to be a strong indicator of disability in individuals with knee OA, particularly for individuals with a sedentary life style. Implications for Rehabilitation Osteoarthritis is a progressive joint disabling condition that restricts physical function and participation in daily activities, particularity in elderly individuals. Obesity is a comorbidity commonly associated with osteoarthritis and it appears to increase self-reported disability in those diagnosed with osteoarthritis of the knee. In a relatively small sample, this study recommends that rehabilitation professionals obtain self-report questionnaires of disability after performance-based tests in obese individuals with osteoarthritis of the knee as they are more likely to give an accurate representation of their level of ability at this time.
authors.affiliation: School of Rehabilitation Therapy, Queen's University , Kingston ON , Canada .
authors.forename: Kamary
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Coriolano
authors.forename: Alice
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Aiken
authors.forename: Caroline
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Pukall
authors.forename: Mark
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Harrison
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D006233:Persons with Disabilities / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007719:Knee Joint / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009043:Motor Activity; D009765:Obesity / Q000503:physiopathology*; D020370:Osteoarthritis, Knee / Q000503:physiopathology*; D011859:Radiography; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012307:Risk Factors; D057566:Self Report; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D016896:Treatment Outcome
keywords: Knee; obesity; osteoarthritis