Original report
Physical activity as a risk factor for osteoarthritis of the knee

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Abstract

A case-control study was conducted to evaluate the association between knee osteoarthritis (OA) and physical activity (PA) among a community group aged 40 years and older. Case patients (85 males, 154 females) had radiologically confirmed knee OA with grade 2+ changes, according to Kellgren and Lawrence criteria. Control subjects (85 males, 154 females) had no radiologic evidence of knee OA. A statistically significant positive association between high PA level and knee OA was observed for women, with an age-adjusted odds ratio (OR) of 1.66 and 95% confidence interval (CI) of 1.01 to 2.72. In men no association was observed (OR = 0.95; 95% CI, 0.49 to 1.83). These associations persisted when controlling simultaneously for potential confounders including age, obesity, history of knee injury, and socioeconomic status, indicating that the OA-PA association is limited to women. One possible explanation is that risk factors for knee OA are influenced by hormones.

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    The authors thank study participants for their cooperation. The collaboration and support of the many volunteers who helped with the study are gratefully acknowledged. Special thanks to Drs. James L. Cresanta and Donna K. Arnett for their excellent editorial review.

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    Copyright © 1994 Published by Elsevier Inc.