Article

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. CONCLUSION: 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.

Langue : ANGLAIS