AB0841 Predictors of Physical Function &amp; Quality of Life in Patients Scheduled for Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: B.R. Kim, S.R. Kim, E.Y. Han, S.M. Kim
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2015)

<h3>Background</h3> Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is among the most common joint disease and is therefore a major social and health problem. Clinically, the knee OA is characterized by joint pain, tenderness, limitation of movement, and variable degrees of local inflammation. <h3>Objectives</h3> This study was undertaken to identify preoperative physical performance factors predictive of self-reported physical function and quality of life, and to propose a preoperative rehabilitation program to improve functional ability in patients scheduled for total knee arthroplasty. <h3>Methods</h3> A total of 55 older adults with end-stage knee OA awaiting a total knee arthroplasty (6 males and 49 females; average age 73.3±6.1 years) were recruited and tested preoperatively. Self-reported disease-specific physical function and self-reported pain were measured by using the Western Ontario McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). Self-reported quality of life was measured by using EuroQOL five dimensions (EQ-5D) questionnaire. Physical performance tests included 6-minute walk test (6MWT), timed up and go (TUG) test, instrumental gait analysis for spatio-temporal parameters, and isometric knee flexor and extensor strength of the surgical and nonsurgical knees. <h3>Results</h3> In the bivariate analyses, the WOMAC function score had a significant positive correlation with the WOMAC pain score (r=0.62, p&lt;0.001), TUG (r=0.46, p&lt;0.001) tests, and a significant negative correlation with 6MWT (r=-0.46, p&lt;0.001), peak torque (PT) extensor (r=-0.27, p=0.04) and PT flexor (r=-0.32, p=0.02) of the nonsurgical knee. The EQ-5D score had a significant positive correlation with 6MWT (r=0.46, p&lt;0.001) tests, and a significant negative correlation with the WOMAC pain score (r=-0.60, p&lt;0.001), TUG (r=-0.38, p=0.004). In the linear regression analyses after adjustment for demographics and anthropometrics variables, the WOMAC pain score (β=0.55, p&lt;0.001) and preoperative TUG test (β=0.34, p=0.002) were factors predictive of the WOMAC function score (R<sup>2</sup>=0.49), and the WOMAC pain score (β=-0.51, p&lt;0.001) and preoperative 6MWT test (β=0.30, p=0.008) were factors predictive of the EQ-5D score (R<sup>2</sup>=0.45). <h3>Conclusions</h3> This study demonstrated that preoperative physical performance significantly influenced on self-reported physical function and quality of life in patients scheduled for total knee arthroplasty. Because functional ability after total knee arthroplasty is strongly associated with preoperative functional ability, these results could be of importance in determining variable preoperative rehabilitation strategies, especially focusing on resistance, dynamic balance, and endurance exercises. <h3>References</h3> Schache MB, McClelland JA, Webster KE. Lower limb strength following total knee arthroplasty: A systematic review. The Knee 2014;21:12-20 Thomas SG, Pagura SMC, kennedy D. Physical activity and its relationship to physical performance in patients with end stage knee osteoarthritis. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2003;33:745-754 Greene KA, Schurman JR. Quadriceps muscle function in primary total knee arthroplasty. J Arthroplasty 2008;23(7):15-19 Mizner RL, Petterson SC, Stevens JE, et al. Preoperative quadriceps strengthe predicts functional ability one year after total knee arthroplasty. J Rheumatol 2005;32:1533-1539 <h3>Disclosure of Interest</h3> None declared