Functioning Without Cartilage: Older People With Radiographic Knee Osteoarthritis Who Self-Report No Functional Limitations Do Score Lower on a Performance Battery.
The majority of the older population shows signs of radiographic knee osteoarthritis. However, many remain without functional complaints for a long period. This study aims to find early functional changes associated with stages of radiographic knee osteoarthritis. A group of older people without self-reported complaints was divided in two groups: knee osteoarthritis (K&L = 2-4, N = 29) and control (K&L = 0-1, N = 31). Muscle function was assessed with voluntary and electrically-stimulated isometric knee contractions, including a fatigue test. Physical functioning was assessed with a 6-min walk test (6MWT), a stair climb test (SCT), and a short performance battery. There were no differences in muscle function parameters, 6MWT, and SCT between groups. A clinically relevant lower score on the performance battery was found in participants with knee osteoarthritis. In conclusion, even when older people indicate to have no functional limitations, a decline in functional outcome can be measured with a physical performance battery.
Daniël M
DM
van Leeuwen
Fabian
F
van de Bunt
Cornelis J
CJ
de Ruiter
Natasja M
NM
van Schoor
Dorly J H
DJH
Deeg
Kaj S
KS
Emanuel
D000368:Aged; D059026:Diagnostic Self Evaluation; D005260:Female; D015577:Geriatric Assessment / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D007719:Knee Joint / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology; D008297:Male; D009119:Muscle Contraction; D020370:Osteoarthritis, Knee / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology; D062072:Patient Acuity; D011859:Radiography / Q000379:methods*; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis; D000070857:Walk Test / Q000379:methods
SPPB; knee; maximal strength; osteoarthritis; performance battery