The Association of Frequency and Level of Physical Activity on the Progression of Osteoarthritis of the Knee in Females

Abstract

Throughout the world, osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most common arthritic diseases and causes of disability among the elderly today (Fries, Singh, Morfeld, Hubert, Lane, and Brown, 1994). Recent studies have been conducted on osteoarthritis of the knee in order to determine if any factors present in a person’s life could alter the course of the disease. Radiography is a common method for imaging the course of this disease over time. Gender has also been captured in many studies on osteoarthritis, but rarely has it been compared in relation to OA and physical activity. The purpose of this study is to determine the association between the frequency and level of physical activity and the progression of osteoarthritis of the knee in females as demonstrated by radiographic knee joint space narrowing evaluation. One additional factor considered in this study is the compartment of the knee affected (lateral versus medial). The radiographic description of osteoarthritis of each knee is given by an OARSI scale grade (0-3) as reported by the Osteoarthritis Initiative (OAI). A descriptive analysis was performed and the results of the study demonstrated an association between the frequency and level of physical activity in females and the progression of osteoarthritis of the knee by radiographic joint space narrowing. The two extreme levels of physical activity including no activity and strenuous activity demonstrated an association, while the two intermediate levels did not indicate a relationship.