The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #57347

Karen Briggs, BS, MBA, Department of Clinical Research, Steadman Hawkins Sports Medicine Foundation, 181 W. Meadow Dr., Suite 1000, Vail, CO 81657, 970-479-5783, karen.briggs@shsmf.org

Physical activity has been shown to be beneficial in patients with arthritis The purpose of this study was to determine what other factors are associated with patient activity goals when patients present for surgical intervention. Method: Data was collected from 106 adults, aged 37 to 82, with osteoarthritis of the knee presenting to an orthopaedic surgeon for treatment. Current physical activity level and the patients activity level goal were assessed using the Tegner Activity Scale(1-10). Patient function/disability was assessed using the Lysholm Score(1-100). Other factors assessed were pain(none, mild, moderate, severe), and abilitiy to perform activities of daily living, strenuous work, and sports(1-10). Results: There were 62 males and 44 females included in this study. Average age of females was 59.3 and male average age was 54.4.(P=0.01) No gender differences were seen in sport level, activities of daily living level, pain, Lysholm, or their goal Tegner activity level. Both male and females wanted to improve their activity level by an average of 3 levels. No association was found between age and activity level, activity level goal, or Lysholm. Patients with greater pain had lower Lysholm scores and lower activity level goals. Conclusion: Age and gender were not associated with differences in activity level goal setting. However, pain was associated with lower goals and increased disability. Since patients with less pain had less disability and higher activity goals, individuals with osteoarthritis should be encouraged to seek treatment prior to developing severe knee pain. Futher research is needed to determine if increased pain lowers patients expectations of return to activity levels.

Learning Objectives:

• The participant will be able to describe factors related to activity level goal setting in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee. The participant will be able to discuss possible implications in patient education and treatment of factors associated with activty level goals.

Keywords: Arthritis, Physical Activity

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.