Avoidance of activity and limitations in activities in patients with osteoarthritis of the hip or knee: a 5 year follow-up study on the mediating role of reduced muscle strength

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Summary

Objective

To evaluate the mediating role of reduced muscle strength in the relationship between avoidance of activity and limitations in activities in patients with knee or hip osteoarthritis (OA).

Methods

A longitudinal cohort study with 5 years follow-up was conducted. Patients with knee or hip OA (n = 288) were recruited at rehabilitation centers and hospitals. Self-reported and performance based limitations in activities, avoidance of activity and muscle strength were assessed at baseline, 1, 2, 3 and 5 years follow-up. Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE) analyses were used to evaluate mediation.

Results

In patients with knee OA, reduced knee extensor muscle strength mediated the relationship between avoidance of activity and limitations in activities. In patients with hip OA reduced hip abductor muscle strength mediates the relationship between avoidance of activity and limitations in activities.

Conclusion

The results of this longitudinal study support the theory that avoidance of activity leads to deterioration of muscle strength and consequently to more limitations in activities in patients with knee and hip OA.

Keywords

Osteoarthritis
Avoidance of activity
Limitations in activities
Physical activity
Muscle strength

Cited by (0)

a

Participants in the CARPA Study Group are Anita Beelen, PhD; Rob M.A. de Bie, PhD; Joost Dekker, PhD; Guustaaf J. Lankhorst, PhD; Frans Nollet, PhD; Martijn F. Pisters, PhD; Irene M. Tersteeg, MSc; Cindy Veenhof, PhD; Daan C. Velseboer, MSc.