Performance measures were necessary to obtain a complete picture of osteoarthritic patients

Optimal cut-off scores of performance-based tests of physical function to discriminate disease severity in patients with knee osteoarthritis

BACKGROUND

A set of physical tests representing typical activities relevant to persons with knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is recommended by the Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI). The objective of this study was to designate the cut-off values for OARSI-recommended performance-based tests to better discriminate disease severity in patients with KOA.

METHODS

As recommended by the OARSI, we conducted the 30-s chair stand test (30-s CST), 40-m fast-paced walk test (40-m FPWT), stair climb test (SCT), 6-min walk test (6MWT), and timed up and go test (TUG). To investigate the discriminative power of the performance test scores using the Kellgren-Lawrence (K-L) grading system, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed. Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) was used to assess self-administered health status.

RESULTS

Forty-eight patients with bilateral KOA were included this study. The area under the curves for four of the five performance tests (30-s CST, six-step SCT, 40-m FPWT, and TUG) had acceptable discrimination (0.753-0.793), while the 6MWT had excellent discrimination (0.860). The stepwise multiple regression analysis demonstrated that 6MWT and 30-s CST were significant and independent determinants of WOMAC score, explaining 48% of the variance (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The OARSI performance tests can discriminate disease severity in individuals with KOA. The 6MWT has the highest level of discriminative validity among all. In addition, despite the correlation between all five tests and the WOMAC score, 6MWT and 30-s CST are independent and significant determinants of the WOMAC.

Performance, measurement properties and discriminant analysis of functional tests for women with greater trochanter pain syndrome

INTRODUCTION

Functional tests are used to establish the functional capacity of women with Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome (GTPS). However, the validity, reliability, or possibility of discriminating this dysfunction have not been established.

OBJECTIVES

To compare functional capacity, establish the properties of functional test measurements, and present the best test to discriminate between women with and without GTPS.

METHODS

A total of 46 women were evaluated (23 with GTPS/23 asymptomatic). On the first day, two evaluators analyzed the muscle strength of the quadriceps and lateral hip complex and performance in the 30-s sit to stand test (STS30), stair ascent test (SAT), stair descent test (SDT), and Timed Up and Go test (TUG). On the second day, evaluator 1 repeated the assessment. The results were established by the intraclass correlation coefficient, Spearman's correlation test, and discriminant analysis.

RESULTS

The GTPS group showed worse results in the VISA-G (P < 0.001), SAT (P = 0.009), SDT (P = 0.033), and TUG (P = 0.039). Intra-evaluator reliability ranged from moderate to excellent and inter-examiner reliability from good to excellent in this sample. Validity could not be established. Only SAT and TUG tests differentiated the participants with GDTS from the asymptomatic group.

CONCLUSION

Women with GTPS present worse functional capacity compared to asymptomatic women. The functional tests used were reliable, but not valid. The SAT and TUG, when used for functional performance diagnosis, were able to discriminate between individuals with GTPS and asymptomatic group over 40 years of age.

Same but Different? Exploring the Role of Patient-Reported Outcome Measures and Clinician-Reported Outcome Measures in Postoperative Knee and Hip Arthroplasty Rehabilitation

Background/Objectives: Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) and clinician-reported outcome measures (CROMs) are used in orthopaedic rehabilitation to evaluate patients' health status and recovery. However, controversy still exists regarding their relevance and validity. This evaluation was conducted to assess the effectiveness and role of PROMs and CROMs in the orthopaedic rehabilitation outcome of patients who have undergone either total knee arthroplasty or hip arthroplasty. Methods: Outcome measures of 409 patients (68.3 ± 9.3 years; 34.2% male) with total knee arthroplasty and 308 patients (68.1 ± 10.6 years; 36.3% male) with total hip arthroplasty (control group) were assessed at baseline and after 21 days of inpatient rehabilitation. Effect sizes and correlations were analysed as they related to the use of PROMs and CROMs. To reduce statistical distortions caused by ceiling effects, we used a performance score (T2D) relying on two scores taken at the beginning and end of rehabilitation. Results: Large effect sizes (d > 0.97) for CROMs and medium effect sizes (d ≥ 0.65) for PROMs were observed in both groups. The standardised mean difference across all outcomes was 0.83 ± 0.59. PROMs worsened in 13.1% of all patients, while almost no patients showed a deterioration in CROMs. Correlations were highest between the Timed Up and Go and the Health Assessment Questionnaire scores (ρ > 0.45). Conclusions: Different and complementary assessment modalities of PROMs and CROMs serve as valuable clinical tools, providing a valid basis for interpreting patients' health outcomes.

Performance-Based Outcome Measures After Hip or Knee Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review and Content Analysis Using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF)

RATIONAL

One of the important considerations to select the appropriate outcome measures is determining if the tool is relevant to patients. Despite the availability of various performance-based tests to objectively assess function, it is unknown which performance-based tests best capture important aspects of function after hip or knee arthroplasty.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

Our systematic review aimed to identify the existing performance-based tests used in hip or knee arthroplasty and link the activity component of each test to the modified International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) core set for osteoarthritis (OA).

METHOD

We searched four databases from inception until April 2024. A performance-based test was included if an individual performs one or more activities, evaluated by an assessor and resulted in a numerical value. Two reviewers independently screened and extracted data and assessed the included performance-based tests.

RESULTS

From 449 studies included in this review, we identified 28 performance-based tests which covered 15 categories of OA core set activity and participation. The categories of d4500:walking short distances, d4104:standing and d4103:sitting were the most frequently used, employed in 14, 10 and 10 performance-based tests, respectively. However, 34 categories of activity and participation were not found in any performance-based tests. A-test ('A' like Activity or Assessment) had the widest coverage covering 10 out of 49 core set categories. Four performance tests covered four activity and participation categories, one covered three categories, 10 covered two categories and 12 covered one category.

CONCLUSION

Our ICF-based content analysis revealed that the existing performance-based tests covered certain OA core set activity and participation categories, but overlooked multiple categories. This analysis can serve as a guide for researchers and clinicians in selecting suitable performance-based tests or a battery of tests to assess function following hip or knee arthroplasty.

Stepping up recovery: integrating patient reported outcome measures and wearable technology for 90-day rehabilitation following total hip arthroplasty

INTRODUCTION

There is conflicting data in the literature regarding the clinical utility of wearable devices. This study examined the association between patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) and step and stair flight counts obtained from wearable devices in postoperative total hip arthroplasty (THA) patients.

METHODS

Data was collected from a multicenter prospective longitudinal cohort study from October 2018 to February 2022. A smartphone-based platform with smartwatch was utilized for collection of daily step and stair flight counts. Subjects (N = 1644) completed the Hip disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score for Joint Replacement (HOOS JR) and numerical rating scale (NRS) pain scores preoperatively and at 1 and 3 months postoperatively. Patients who reported living in a multi-level home (N = 931) were included in analysis of stair flight counts. Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated to determine correlations between step and stair flight counts with NRS pain and HOOS JR scores.

RESULTS

Step counts demonstrated a weak negative correlation to NRS pain scores at preoperative (r = - 0.15, p < 0.0001), 1-month (r = - 0.15, p < 0.0001), and 3-months follow-up (r = - 0.06, p = 0.05). Step counts demonstrated a weak positive correlation with HOOS JR scores at preoperative (r = 0.16, p < 0.0001), 1-month (r = 0.15, p < 0.0001), and 3-months (r = 0.13, p < 0.0001). Stair flight counts demonstrated a weak negative correlation with NRS pain preoperatively (r = - 0.19, p < 0.0001) and at 1-month (r = - 0.11, p = 0.003). Stair flight counts positively correlated with HOOS JR scores at preoperative (r = 0.24, p < 0.0001), 1-month (r = 0.15, p < 0.0001), and 3-months (r = 0.09, p = 0.02).

CONCLUSION

The utilization of wearable technology can enhance the evaluation of patient outcomes after THA, primarily due to the observed correlation between data collected from wearables and PROMs. Our study highlights the importance of the use of objective data, in addition to subjective patient reported data, when analyzing postoperative patient progress, which propels forward the field of postoperative THA patient care.

How Do Patient-Reported Outcomes Correlate With Real-Time Objective Measures of Function After Total Knee Arthroplasty? A Prospective Study Using Daily Gait Metrics

BACKGROUND

Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) are essential for evaluating patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA). While wearable technologies offer objective measures of physical function through Apple HealthKit, their relationship with PROs in TKA patients is not well understood. We investigated the association between commonly used PROs and objective measures of physical function in patients undergoing TKA.

METHODS

We conducted a prospective cohort study involving 152 patients undergoing unilateral TKA, assessing PROs (Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, Joint Replacement, and EuroQol Five-Dimensional Questionnaire) and objective HealthKit metrics (gait speed, step count, standing duration, steadiness, and estimated 6-minute walk test) before and at one, six, and 12 months after surgery. Pearson correlation coefficients were used to analyze the relationship between PROs and HealthKit metrics at each time point, adjusting for multiple comparisons.

RESULTS

Significant improvements were observed in PROs post-TKA. The Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, Joint Replacement, scores improved from 52.1 ± 11.9 preoperatively to 82.5 ± 13.2 at 12 months postoperatively (P < 0.001), and EuroQol Five-Dimensional Questionnaire scores improved from 73.9 ± 17.8 to 85.7 ± 11.6 over the same period (P < 0.001). However, correlations between PROs and HealthKit metrics were consistently low (mean r = 0.2 to 0.3) and not significant after adjusting for multiple comparisons at various operative time points. Notably, correlations among HealthKit metrics themselves remained high, indicating that objective measures were internally consistent but not strongly related to PROs.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite their importance in patient-centered care, PROs may not fully reflect actual physical function. Clinicians should consider incorporating objective measures, such as those provided by HealthKit, into routine assessments to obtain a more comprehensive view of patient recovery post-TKA.

Self-assessed performance-based function test versus patient-reported outcome measures for knee and hip osteoarthritis

BACKGROUND

Physical function constitutes a key component of outcome assessment for almost all osteoarthritis interventions. The aim was to compare physical function measured using a self-assessed performance-based test versus self-reported function using questionnaires among individuals with knee or hip osteoarthritis (OA) participating in a digital exercise and education therapy.

METHODS

We analysed data from individuals aged 40 + years participating in the digital program. We extracted data on the self-assessed 30-second chair stand test (30s CST) and the function subscales of Knee injury/Hip disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score 12 (KOOS-12/HOOS-12) at enrolment and 3- (n = 10884) and 12-month (n = 3554) follow-ups. Participants completed Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) pain, EQ-5D-5L, and an external anchor: global rating of change scale. Correlations were assessed using the Spearman correlation coefficient, responsiveness using standardized response mean (SRM) and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, and agreement using weighted percent of agreement and weighted Gwet's agreement coefficient.

RESULTS

Correlations were weak between the 30s CST and KOOS-12/HOOS-12 function (r < 0.35 for raw and r < 0.20 for change scores). Correlations with NRS pain and EQ-5D-5L were stronger for the KOOS-12/HOOS-12 function subscale than for 30s CST. Greater internal (SRM > 1 vs. SRM < 0.5) and lower external responsiveness were observed for the 30s CST versus the KOOS-12/HOOS-12 function, even though external responsiveness was generally inadequate for both (the area under the ROC curves < 0.7). The direction of change was similar for the two function measures for about 70% of subjects with moderate agreement between them (weighted Gwet's agreement coefficient range 0.45 to 0.50).

CONCLUSION

Weak correlations and moderate agreements between function measured using performance-based test and self-reported using KOOS-12/HOOS-12 in people with knee or hip OA suggest that they may capture different aspects of functional abilities in this population.

Construct Validity and Responsiveness of Performance-based Tests in Individuals With Knee Osteoarthritis

OBJECTIVES

To assess the construct validity and responsiveness of 3 performance-based tests in individuals with knee osteoarthritis (KOA).

DESIGN

This study has a prospective cohort design.

SETTING

Assessments were administered at the Federal University of São Carlos (Brazil) by 3 different raters.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 107 participants with KOA were aged ≥40 years (N=107).

INTERVENTIONS

Not applicable.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

This study assessed the construct validity and responsiveness of 3 performance-based tests: 40-meter fast-paced walk test (40-m FPWT), 11-step stair climb test (11-step SCT), and 30-second chair stand test (30-s CST). The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), sedentary behavior (activPAL), and numeric pain rating scale (NPRS) were used as comparator instruments. Measurements were obtained at baseline and after 6 months. The construct validity and responsiveness were calculated using Spearman correlation coefficient within predefined hypotheses based on a panel comprising 5 experts in the field of outcome measurement in KOA.

RESULTS

The three performance-based tests showed excellent (ICC>0.9) reliability (intra and inter); however, only the 40-m FPWT and 11-step SCT were considered valid and responsive because both confirmed >75% of the priori hypotheses. The 30-s CST was not considered valid or responsive because it has not confirmed ≥75% of the priori hypotheses.

CONCLUSION

The 3 performance-based tests are reliable for intra and inter assessments. The 40-m FPWT and 11-step SCT are both valid and responsive for measuring physical function in patients with KOA. The 30-s CST was not considered valid or responsive. Therefore, 40-m FPWT and 11-step SCT can detect changes over time and are indicated for functional assessment in clinical practice.

Effect of Context Specificity on Response to the Shortened WOMAC Function Scale in Patients Undergoing Total Knee Arthroplasty

OBJECTIVE

To determine, in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA), whether increasing context specificity of selected items of the shortened version of the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index function (WOMAC-F) scale (ShortMAC-F) (1) enhanced the convergent validity of the ShortMAC-F with performance-based mobility measures (ii) affected mean scale score, structural validity, reliability, and interpretability.

DESIGN

Secondary analysis of randomized clinical trial data.

SETTING

A tertiary teaching hospital.

PARTICIPANTS

Patients undergoing TKA (N=114).

INTERVENTIONS

Not applicable.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The ShortMAC-F was modified by specifying the "ascending stairs" and "rising from sitting" items to enquire about difficulty in performing the tasks without reliance on compensatory strategies, whereas the modified "level walking" item enquired about difficulty in walking 400 m. Before and 12 weeks after TKA, patients completed the WOMAC-F questionnaire, modified ShortMAC-F questionnaire, knee pain scale questionnaire, sit-to-stand test, fast gait speed test, and stair climb test. Interpretability was evaluated by calculating anchor-based substantial clinical benefit estimates.

RESULTS

The modified ShortMAC-F correlated significantly more strongly than ShortMAC-F or WOMAC-F with pooled performance measures (differences in correlation values, 0.12-0.14). Increasing item context specificity of the ShortMAC-F did not influence its psychometric properties of unidimensionality (comparative fit and Tucker-Lewis indices, >0.95; root mean square error of approximation, 0.05-0.08), reliability (Cronbach's α, 0.75-0.83), correlation with pain intensity (correlation values, 0.48-0.52), and substantial clinical benefit estimates (16 percentage points); however, it resulted in lower mean score (4.5-4.8 points lower).

CONCLUSIONS

The modified ShortMAC-F showed sufficient measurement properties for clinical application, and it seemed more adept than WOMAC-F at correlating with performance-based measures in TKA.

The predictors to self-reported and performance-based physical function in knee osteoarthritis patients: a cross-sectional study

Background

Osteoarthritis (OA) knee patients have limited ability in physical function, or difficulties with physical tasks and activities may develop disability. This study aimed to observe the predictors of self-reported and performance-based physical function in patients with knee OA by analyzing the impacts of demographic, pathological, and muscle impairment factors.

Methods

135 knee OA patients participated in this study to complete self-reported questionnaires using Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS). When measuring performance-based physical function, a 6-meter gait speed (6MGS) test was measured to evaluate their mobility, and a 5-time Sit-to-Stand test (5STS) was assessed to evaluate their balance. Pain intensity, knee extensor and flexor muscle strength, age, body mass index (BMI), durations of symptoms, and radiographic severity were also collected. Spearman correlation and stepwise multiple linear regression were used to explore the association and predictors in self-reported and performance-based physical function.

Results

BMI and durations of symptoms did not indicate any significant correlation with either self-reported or performance-based physical function. Age is significantly negatively associated with 6MGS (r 2 = -0.383, p < 0.01), while knee extensor muscle strength has a moderate correlation with 5STS (r 2 = -0.528, p < 0.01). In the stepwise multiple linear regression models, pain intensity (β = 0.712, p < 0.001), knee flexor muscle strength (β = 0.112, p = 0.042) were significantly associated with self-reported physical function in daily activities and contributed to 55.0% of the variance in KOOS-PF score. Knee muscle strength, including knee extensor (5STS: β = -0.428, p < 0.001) and flexor muscle strength (6MGS: β = 0.367, p < 0.001), were the main predictors with performance-based physical function.

Conclusion

Pain intensity was the leading risk factor of self-reported physical function, and knee flexor muscle strength contributed as well. The severity of knee OA, durations of symptoms and BMI did not contribute to physical function. However, knee extensor and flexor muscle strength were the main predictors of performance-based performance. Our results show that strengthening of weak knee muscles in both quadriceps and hamstring muscle strength should be considered a priory consideration in knee OA no matter if people are in the early or end-stage of knee OA.

Reporting of Rehabilitation Outcomes in the Traumatic Lower Limb Amputation Literature: A Systematic Review

OBJECTIVE

To synthesize the outcomes reported in the rehabilitation and community literature for adults with traumatic lower limb amputation (LLA).

DATA SOURCES

The search strategy was conducted in 3 databases (Medline, EMBASE, and CINAHL) from inception to April 2022.

STUDY SELECTION

To be eligible, articles could be of any design but were required to have at least 50% adult individuals with traumatic LLA and had to report on interventions and outcomes in either a rehabilitation or community setting.

DATA EXTRACTION

The extracted outcomes were classified using Dodd's framework, which is designed for organizing research outcomes. Heterogeneity was observed in the outcome measures (OMs) used for evaluation. Two reviewers independently conducted the data extraction, which was verified by a third reviewer.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Of the 7,834 articles screened, 47 articles reporting data on 692 individuals with traumatic LLA, met our inclusion criteria. Four core areas encompassing 355 OMs/indicators were identified: life effect (63.4%), physiological/clinical (30.1%), resource use (5.1%), and adverse events (1.4%). Physical functioning (eg, gait, mobility) was the most frequently reported outcome domain across studies, followed by nervous system outcomes (eg, pain) and psychiatric outcomes (eg, depression, anxiety). Domains such as global quality of life and role/emotional functioning were seldomly reported.

CONCLUSION

The study provides a list of outcome indicators explicitly published for adults with traumatic LLA, highlighting inconsistent reporting of outcome indicators. The lack of a standardized set of OMs is a barrier to performing meta-analyses on interventions, preventing the identification of effective care models and clinical pathways. Developing a core outcome set that includes OMs relevant to the needs of the traumatic LLA population may address these issues.

Effects of physical exercise on muscle function of the knee, pain and quality of life in postmenopausal women with knee osteoarthritis: A systematic review with meta-analysis

Objective of this study was to investigate the effects of physical exercise on muscle function of the knee, pain and quality of life in postmenopausal women with knee osteoarthritis (OA). An electronic search was conducted of the PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, LILACS and PEDro databases for relevant articles published up to September 2023. Only randomized clinical trials with interventions involving physical exercise of any modality in postmenopausal women with knee OA were included. This review was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses and the Cochrane Recommendations. Methodological quality of the studies selected was assessed using the PEDro scale and the evidence was synthesized using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation scale. Among the 169 articles identified, five were included in the present systematic review and enabled meta-analysis of the outcomes physical function, pain and stiffness. The findings demonstrated the effectiveness of physical exercise in improving physical function, assessed through the Six-Minute Walk Test and the WOMAC scale's physical function domain, compared to the control group. However, no significant differences were observed in pain or stiffness outcomes between the treatment and control groups. Unfortunately, insufficient data precluded a meta-analysis for knee muscle function and quality of life outcomes. Despite the potential of physical exercise to enhance physical function in postmenopausal women with knee OA, the study highlights a lack of standardization in assessment tools and tests, limiting the feasibility of meta-analysis. PROSPERO REGISTRATION: CRD42022316476.

Maximal daily stepping cadence partially explains functional capacity of individuals with end-stage knee osteoarthritis

BACKGROUND

Individuals with end-stage knee osteoarthritis (OA) walk at a lower intensity (ie, slower step cadence) contributing to worse physical function. Previous literature reports daily step counts and sedentary time, with little information regarding stepping bouts or cadence. Determining relationships between daily higher stepping cadence duration and clinical outcomes can move the field toward optimal daily stepping prescription.

OBJECTIVE

To quantify daily physical activity patterns of individuals with end-stage knee OA and determine the contribution of high stepping cadence to explain functional capacity variability.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional analysis.

SETTING

Veterans Administration medical center.

PARTICIPANTS

U.S. military veterans (n = 104; age: 67.1 years [7.2]; mean [SD]; male [89.3%]) with end-stage knee OA were enrolled.

INTERVENTION

Not applicable.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

Functional capacity (6-Minute Walk Test [6MWT]). Physical activity (activPAL wearable sensor; cadence and time sitting, standing, and stepping), pain (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index-pain subscale) sociodemographic variables, and comorbidities (body mass index and Functional Comorbidity Index) are the main explanatory variables.

RESULTS

Participants' wake time was mainly sitting (11.0 h/day) in ≥60-minute bouts (29.7% ± 12.7 of sitting time). Standing (3.4 hours/day) and stepping (1.4 h/day) primarily occurred in 0-5 minute bouts (standing: 87.7% ± 14.4 of standing time, stepping: 98.7% ± 12.7 of stepping time) and stepping cadence was predominantly incidental (1-19 spm; 52.9% ± 9.6 of total stepping time). Backward elimination model results indicated shorter medium-to-brisk cadence bout duration, older age, and higher pain significantly explained shorter 6MWT distance (AdjR2=0.24, p < .01).

CONCLUSIONS

Individuals with knee OA spend most of their waking hours sitting, while standing and stepping occurs in short bouts at very low stepping cadence. Decreased time in high stepping cadence is associated with lower functional capacity. Future studies should explore if increasing the daily time spent in higher step cadence can improve functional capacity in this population.

Cost and outcomes of Hospital-based Usual cAre versus Tele-monitor self-directed Rehabilitation (HUATR) in patients with total knee arthroplasty: A randomized, controlled, non-inferiority trial

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the clinical efficacy and cost-effectiveness of telemonitored self-directed rehabilitation (TR) compared with hospital-based rehabilitation (HBR) for patients with total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

DESIGN

In this randomized, non-inferiority clinical trial, 114 patients with primary TKA who were able to walk independently preoperatively were randomized to receive HBR (n = 58) or TR (n = 56). HBR comprised at least five physical therapy sessions over 10 weeks. TR comprised a therapist-led onboarding session, followed by a 10-week unsupervised home-based exercise program, with asynchronous monitoring of rehabilitation outcomes using a telemonitoring system. The primary outcome was fast-paced gait speed at 12 weeks, with a non-inferiority margin of 0.10 m/s. For economic analysis, quality-adjusted-life-years (QALY) was the primary economic outcome (non-inferiority margin, 0.027 points).

RESULTS

In Bayesian analyses, TR had >95% posterior probability of being non-inferior to HBR in gait speed (week-12 adjusted TR-HBR difference, 0.02 m/s; 95%CrI, -0.05 to 0.10 m/s; week-24 difference, 0.01 m/s; 95%CrI, -0.07 to 0.10 m/s) and QALY (0.006 points; 95%CrI, -0.006 to 0.018 points). When evaluated from a societal perspective, TR was associated with lower mean intervention cost (adjusted TR-HBR difference, -S$227; 95%CrI, -112 to -330) after 24 weeks, with 82% probability of being cost-effective compared with HBR at a willingness to pay of S$0/unit of effect for the QALYs.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with uncomplicated TKAs and relatively good preoperative physical function, home-based, self-directed TR was non-inferior to and more cost-effective than HBR over a 24-week follow-up period. TR should be considered for this patient subgroup.

Gait Analysis and Functional Knee Scores in Primary Knee Osteoarthritis and Their Correlation with Progression of the Disease in the Indian Population

INTRODUCTION

Osteoarthritis of the knee is a leading cause of disability and is a multi-factorial disease. Moreover, it is partly considered a mechanically driven disease in which higher abnormally disbursed forces play a prime role. With the progression of the disease, the gait function declines, so a comprehensive and objective evaluation of gait function would help in prognostic evaluation and management.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study included two groups: patients with primary knee osteoarthritis and a control group of healthy volunteers. Gait analysis and functional knee scores were evaluated for all the subjects. The KOOS score, temporal parameters excluding the step length, and spatial parameters excluding the stance phase percentage were evaluated for an individual as a whole. The KSS score, kinetic parameters, kinematic parameters, step length, and stance phase percentage were calculated for each knee separately. Each knee of the patient and controls was taken as 1 sample and categorized as per Kellgren-Lawrence score. An asymptomatic control group of subjects were included in group A. Symptomatic patients with KL grades 1, 2 were included in group M, and those with KL grades 3, 4 were included in group S. The kinetic and kinematic parameters and KSS score were compared among the three groups.

RESULTS

A total of 60 subjects were included of which 40 were patients and 20 were controls. In the control group, the age ranged from 22 to 48 years with a mean age of 28.6 years. In the patient group, the mean age was 60.3 years. Patients with knee osteoarthritis were significantly obese with slower walking speed, short stride length, longer stride time, and decreased cadence compared to the asymptomatic group. There was a significant difference in spatiotemporal parameters, functional scores, and kinetic and kinematic parameters among the groups.

CONCLUSION

Various spatiotemporal, kinetic, and kinematic parameters like peak knee flexion angle, abduction/adduction angle, peak knee adduction moment, range of knee flexion, peak knee flexion, and gait deviation index along with functional scores varied significantly with the progression of the disease.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s43465-024-01103-9.

Physical functioning in patients with end-stage knee osteoarthritis: A cross-sectional study in Jordan using self-reported questionnaire and performance-based tests

BACKGROUND

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a debilitating condition that leads to functional limitations. Self-reported questionnaires and performance-based tests are tools commonly used for measuring physical function.

OBJECTIVES

(1) To evaluate the impact of end-stage knee OA on functional outcomes and examine the association between self-reported and performance-based measures of function in patients with end-stage knee osteoarthritis awaiting total knee arthroplasty (2) To explore the interrelationships among pain, strength, and overall physical function in this patient population.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional analysis, 33 patients with end-stage knee OA were recruited and completed the knee Outcome Survey-Activities of Daily Living Scale (KOS-ADLS) and executed performance-based tests including the Timed Up and Go, the 30-second chair stand test, and the Stair Climbing Test. Knee pain, and isometric hip and knee strength were evaluated.

RESULTS

Patients perceived deficits in their physical functionwith a score of 35/100 on the KOS-ADLS and demonstrated functional limitations in all performed tasks. KOS-ADLs was weakly associated with TUG and 30s-CST (r=-0.301, p= 0.047, and r= 0.39, p= 0.014. respectively). Knee pain was linked with the KOS-ADL score and GRS score (r=-0.406, p= 0.010; r=-0.343, p= 0.027; respectively), while the strength of the affected side was correlated with the performed (p=< 0.001) and reported function outcomes (p= 0.007).

CONCLUSION

Participants exhibit declines in both perceived and executed functional abilities. Self-reported and performance-based functional measures are weakly correlated within our study group, highlighting the importance of incorporating both measures in clinical practice for a comprehensive evaluation of physical function. Pain was linked to subjective aspect of physical function, while strength was connected to perceived and performed functional capacity. Implementing a tailored rehabilitation program targeting muscle weakness and pain holds the potential to mitigate functional decline in individuals awaiting total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

Multicenter, prospective cohort study: immediate postoperative gains in active range of motion following robotic-assisted total knee replacement compared to a propensity-matched control using manual instrumentation

BACKGROUND

Range of motion (ROM) following total knee replacement (TKR) has been associated with patient satisfaction and knee function, and is also an early indicator of a successful procedure. Robotic-assisted TKR (raTKR) is considered to reproduce more precise resections, and, as a result, may be associated with improved early patient satisfaction compared to manual TKR (mTKR). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the early postoperative active ROM (aROM) between raTKR and mTKR.

METHODS

A total of 216 mTKR patients were propensity-matched, in terms of age, gender, comorbidities, and BMI, to 216 raTKR cases. Intraoperative and immediate postoperative adverse events were collected. Knee flexion and extension aROM were measured preoperatively and at one- and three months after operation.

RESULTS

Changes in flexion aROM were significantly greater in raTKR vs. mTKR at one- (6.9°, 95% CI: 3.5, 10.4°) and three months (4.9°, 95% CI: 2.1, 7.7°). Flexion aROM was greater at three postoperative months compared to preoperative aROM only in the raTKR group, and raTKR patients had higher odds of achieving ≥ 90° of flexion at one month after operation (OR: 2.15, 95% CI: 1.16, 3.99). There were no significant differences between groups in intraoperative (P > 0.999) or postoperative adverse events.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with mTKR, raTKR resulted  in less loss of aROM immediately after operation and a faster recovery of aROM within three months after operation.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT# 03737149).

Patient-reported outcomes measurement information system physical function and knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome score relationship on performance measures in people undergoing total knee arthroplasty

PURPOSE

Primary purpose was to identify relationships between performance-based measures onto both computerized adaptive testing [Physical Function-Computer Adaptive Testing (PF-CAT)] and joint-specific legacy [Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score-Activities of Daily Living (KOOS-ADL)] instruments pre- and 12-month post-TKA.

METHODS

The PF-CAT and KOOS-ADL were identified as outcomes and performance on the 40-m fast-paced walking test, stair climb test and chair stand test were identified as predictors. Linear regression was used for all comparisons after adjusting for confounders.

RESULTS

Sixty-eight people with TKA (56.7% male) were tested. Better scores on the 40-m fast-paced walking (KOOS-ADL, p = 0.02), stair climb (KOOS-ADL, p = 0.05) and chair stand (KOOS-ADL, p < 0.01) associated with better self-reported scores pre-TKA. Better scores on the 40-m fast-paced walking (PF-CAT, p = 0.05; KOOS-ADL, p = 0.01), stair climb (KOOS-ADL, p < 0.01), chair stand (PF-CAT, p < 0.01) and range of motion (KOOS-ADL, p = 0.02) were associated with better self-reported scores 12-month post-TKA. Decrease knee range of motion related to poorer 40-m fast-paced walking (p = 0.01) and stair climb (p = 0.03) scores pre-TKA. Quadriceps weakness related to poorer 40-m fast-paced walking (p = 0.04) score pre-TKA.

CONCLUSION

Self-reported instruments are a moderate, but inconsistent surrogate to performance-based measures pre- and post-TKA. Our findings indicate that both self-reported and performance-based measures are necessary to fully characterize physical function and should be used jointly to aid in the recovery analysis of people undergoing TKA.Implications for RehabilitationMonitoring the trajectory of pre- to post-total knee arthroplasty (TKA) physical function is important as it directly relates to mortality, morbidity and poorer quality of life in older adults.Both self-reported and performance-based measures of physical function are used to determine progress in recovery for patients pre- and post- TKA.This study provides evidence that perceived physical function measures are a moderate, but an inconsistent, surrogate to objective physical function measures pre- and post-TKA.Joint specific deficits in knee range of motion and quadriceps strength were weakly associated with deficits in function measures pre-TKA, but no association was observed 12-month post-TKA.Our findings indicate that both self-reported and performance-based measures are necessary to fully characterize physical function and should be used jointly to aid in the complete recovery analysis of people undergoing TKA.

Discordance Between Self-Reported and Performance-Based Physical Function in Patients Who Have Knee Osteoarthritis: Associations With Pain Intensity and Negative Affect

BACKGROUND

Although self-reported measures of physical disability are strong indication criterion for total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in painful knee osteoarthritis (OA), some patients may report greater-than-observed disability. Contributing factors to this discordance are relatively unexplored. We aimed to examine whether pain and negative affect, including anxiety and depression, were associated with the discordance of self-reported measures with performance-based measures (PPM) of physical function.

METHODS

We used cross-sectional data (n = 212) from two randomized rehabilitation trials in knee OA. All patients were assessed for knee pain intensity and symptoms of anxiety and depression. Self-reported function was assessed by the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) physical-function subscale. Objective performance-based measures (PPMs) of physical function were assessed by timed gait and stair tests. Continuous discordance scores were quantified by the difference in percentiles between WOMAC and PPMs (WOMAC-PPM), where a positive discordance, WOMAC-PPM >0, implied greater perceived than observed disability.

RESULTS

Around 1 in 4 patients had >20 percentile units in WOMAC-PPM discordance. In Bayesian regression analyses, knee pain intensity had >99% posterior probability of positive associations with WOMAC-PPM discordance. Among patients awaiting TKA, anxiety intensity had approximately 99% probability of positive associations with discordance, and these associations had >65% probability of exceeding 10 percentile units. In contrast, depression had low (79% to 88%) probability of any association with discordance.

CONCLUSION

In patients who have knee OA, a sizable proportion reported substantially greater physical disability than actually observed. Pain and anxiety intensity, but not depression, were meaningful predictors of this discordance. If validated, our findings may help in refining patient selection criteria for TKA.

Relationships between self-perceived and clinical expression of pain and function differ based on the underlying pathology of the human hip

BACKGROUND

Patient-reported outcomes are commonly used to assess patient symptoms. The effect of specific hip pathology on relationships between perceived and objectively measured symptoms remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to evaluate differences of function and pain in patients with FAIS and DDH, to assess the correlation between perceived and objective function, and to determine the influence of pain on measures of function.

METHODS

This prospective cross-sectional study included 35 pre-operative patients (60% female) with femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS) and 37 pre-operative patients (92% female) with developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). Objectively measured function (6-min walk [6MWT], single leg hop [SLHT], Biodex sway [BST], hip abduction strength [HABST], and STAR excursion balance reach [STAR] tests), patient-reported function (UCLA Activity, Hip Outcome Score [HOS], Short Form 12 [SF-12], and Hip Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score [HOOS]), and patient-reported pain (HOOS Pain, visual analogue scale (VAS), and a pain location scale) were collected during a pre-surgical clinic visit. Between-group comparisons of patient scores were performed using Wilcoxon Rank-Sum tests. Within-group correlations were analyzed using Spearman's rank correlation coefficients. Statistical correlation strength was defined as low (r =  ± 0.1-0.3), moderate (r =  ± 0.3-0.5) and strong (r >  ± 0.5).

RESULTS

Patients with DDH reported greater pain and lower function compared to patients with FAIS. 6MWT distance was moderately-to-strongly correlated with a number of patient-reported measures of function (FAIS: r = 0.37 to 0.62, DDH: r = 0.36 to 0.55). Additionally, in patients with DDH, SLHT distance was well correlated with patient reported function (r = 0.37 to 0.60). Correlations between patient-reported pain and objectively measured function were sparse in both patient groups. In patients with FAIS, only 6MWT distance and HOOS Pain (r = -0.53) were significantly correlated. In patients with DDH, 6MWT distance was significantly correlated with VAS Average (r = -0.52) and Best (r = -0.53) pain.

CONCLUSION

Pain is greater and function is lower in patients with DDH compared to patients with FAIS. Moreover, the relationship between pain and function differs between patient groups. Understanding these differences is valuable for informing treatment decisions. We recommend these insights be incorporated within the clinical continuum of care, particularly during evaluation and selection of surgical and therapeutic interventions.

Stepping Beyond Counts in Recovery of Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Prospective Study on Passively Collected Gait Metrics

Gait quality parameters have been used to measure recovery from total hip arthroplasty (THA) but are time-intensive and previously could only be performed in a lab. Smartphone sensor data and algorithmic advances presently allow for the passive collection of qualitative gait metrics. The purpose of this prospective study was to observe the recovery of physical function following THA by assessing passively collected pre- and post-operative gait quality metrics. This was a multicenter, prospective cohort study. From six weeks pre-operative through to a minimum 24 weeks post-operative, 612 patients used a digital care management application that collected gait metrics. Average weekly walking speed, step length, timing asymmetry, and double limb support percentage pre- and post-operative values were compared with a paired-sample t-test. Recovery was defined as the post-operative week when the respective gait metric was no longer statistically inferior to the pre-operative value. To control for multiple comparison error, significance was set at p < 0.002. Walking speeds and step length were lowest, and timing asymmetry and double support percentage were greatest at week two post-post-operative (p < 0.001). Walking speed (1.00 ± 0.14 m/s, p = 0.04), step length (0.58 ± 0.06 m/s, p = 0.02), asymmetry (14.5 ± 19.4%, p = 0.046), and double support percentage (31.6 ± 1.5%, p = 0.0089) recovered at 9, 8, 7, and 10 weeks post-operative, respectively. Walking speed, step length, asymmetry, and double support all recovered beyond pre-operative values at 13, 17, 10, and 18 weeks, respectively (p < 0.002). Functional recovery following THA can be measured via passively collected gait quality metrics using a digital care management platform. The data suggest that metrics of gait quality are most negatively affected two weeks post-operative; recovery to pre-operative levels occurs at approximately 10 weeks following primary THA, and follows a slower trajectory compared to previously reported step count recovery trajectories.

Stepping beyond Counts in Recovery of Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Prospective Study on Passively Collected Gait Metrics

Advances in algorithms developed from sensor-based technology data allow for the passive collection of qualitative gait metrics beyond step counts. The purpose of this study was to evaluate pre- and post-operative gait quality data to assess recovery following primary total knee arthroplasty. This was a multicenter, prospective cohort study. From 6 weeks pre-operative through to 24 weeks post-operative, 686 patients used a digital care management application to collect gait metrics. Average weekly walking speed, step length, timing asymmetry, and double limb support percentage pre- and post-operative values were compared with a paired-samples t-test. Recovery was operationally defined as when the respective weekly average gait metric was no longer statistically different than pre-operative. Walking speed and step length were lowest, and timing asymmetry and double support percentage were greatest at week two post-operative (p < 0.0001). Walking speed recovered at 21 weeks (1.00 m/s, p = 0.063) and double support percentage recovered at week 24 (32%, p = 0.089). Asymmetry percentage was recovered at 13 weeks (14.0%, p = 0.23) and was consistently superior to pre-operative values at week 19 (11.1% vs. 12.5%, p < 0.001). Step length did not recover during the 24-week period (0.60 m vs. 0.59 m, p = 0.004); however, this difference is not likely clinically relevant. The data suggests that gait quality metrics are most negatively affected two weeks post-operatively, recover within the first 24-weeks following TKA, and follow a slower trajectory compared to previously reported step count recoveries. The ability to capture new objective measures of recovery is evident. As more gait quality data is accrued, physicians may be able to use passively collected gait quality data to help direct post-operative recovery using sensor-based care pathways.

Impact of end-stage knee osteoarthritis on perceived physical function and quality of life: A descriptive study from Jordan

OBJECTIVE

Of the present study was to evaluate the impact of end-stage knee OA on patient's perception of their functional abilities and quality of life (QoL) using the self-reported questionnaire; the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), and to determine the contribution of knee pain on patient's perceived outcomes.

METHODS

Patients with end-stage knee OA who are on the waiting list for total knee arthroplasty were recruited in this cross-sectional study. Patients were asked to fill out the KOOS questionnaire. Knee pain for both sides was quantified on a continuous scale from 0-10. Age, and anthropometric data were recorded. Descriptive statistics were calculated for patients' characteristics, and for the scores of each KOOS subscale. Hierarchical linear regression models were created to determine the contributions of knee pain on two KOOS subscales; the function in daily living (KOOS-ADL), and the knee-related quality of life (KOOS-QoL).

RESULTS

Patients in this study scored low across KOOS subscales (27.7% - 54.2%) with the QoL subscale being the lowest. After accounting for age and BMI, hierarchical linear regressions revealed that knee pain in both sides were determinants of self-perceived KOOS-ADLs, while only knee pain in the most-affected side significantly contributed to lower KOOS-QOL scores.

CONCLUSION

End-stage knee OA negatively impact the patients' perceived function and quality of life. Patients' KOOS scores were similar to those reported in other countries, with QoL being the domain most affected. Our findings demonstrate that the level of knee pain has a determinant effect on our patients' perceptions of functional abilities and QoL. As waiting-list patients, addressing knee pain with a targeted regimen prior to TKA, as well as increasing patient's awareness about knee pain management, may improve/ or minimize deterioration in perceived functional ability and QoL while awaiting TKA.

Stair Climbing Ability and Identification of the Nine Stairs Ascent and Descent Test Cut-Off Points in Hip Osteoarthritis Patients: A Retrospective Study

Objectives As the prevalence and incidence of hip osteoarthritis (hip OA) continue to rise, measuring the impact of hip OA severity on a patient's functionality is essential. Stair walking is a particularly relevant task to assess hip OA patients, as difficulty with stair ascent is one of the driving factors in deciding to undergo a total hip arthroplasty. Although stairs tests often arise in post-arthroplasty measures, there is a lack of reported stairs performance time in hip OA patients. Therefore, this retrospective study aimed to report the stair performance time of hip OA patients categorized by disease severity and determine cut-off points that differentiate between severity grades. Materials and methods The patient selection was based on the review of de-identified data from our research laboratory database. 254 hip OA patients (aged ≥ 50 years) were divided according to the Kellgren-Lawrence classification system into three groups: Grade 2 (n=68), Grade 3 (n=109), and Grade 4 (n= 68). The stair-walking ability was evaluated using the 9S-A/D test. The time taken to ascend and descend the stairs was measured separately, and the total time (9S-A/D) was also recorded. The one-way ANOVA model, Welch test, Games-Howell posthoc test, Chi-Square tests, and Two-Way ANOVA model were used for the statistical analysis of the data. The cut-off points were obtained by receiver operating curve (ROC) analysis. The statistical significance was set at p<0.05. Results Homogeneity was found between the three groups regarding demographic and clinical characteristics, except age and gender (p<0.001). The comparison of the variables (9S-ascent, 9S-descent, and 9S-A/D) between groups, adjusted for gender and age, showed significant differences: Grade 2 individuals had shorter performance times compared to those in Grade 3 and Grade 4 (p<0.005). Simultaneously, patients with Grade 3 hip OA have a shorter performance time than those with Grade 4 hip OA (p<0.005). Regarding ROC analysis of Grade 2 versus Grade 3: The AUCs of 9S-ascend, 9S-descent, and 9S-A/D were 0.742 (95%CI 0.67-0.81), 0.734 (95%CI 0.66-0.81), and 0.745 (95%CI 0.54-0.90), respectively (all p values <0.005). The cut-off points of 9S-ascend, 9S-descent, and 9S-A/D were 8.7 s (sensitivity 56%, specificity 88%), 7.1 s (sensitivity 58%, specificity 80%), and 16.25 s (sensitivity 54%, specificity 90%), respectively. Concerning ROC analysis of Grade 3 versus Grade 4: The AUCs of 9S-ascend, 9S-descent, and 9S-A/D were 0.702 (95%CI 0.62-0.78), 0.711 (95%CI 0.63-0.79), and 0.715 (95%CI 0.64-0.80), respectively (all p values <0.005). The cut-off points of 9S-ascend, 9S-descent, and 9S-A/D were 11.5 s (sensitivity 66%, specificity 65%), 8.3 s (sensitivity 71%, specificity 62%), and 19.05 s (sensitivity 71%, specificity 61%), respectively. Conclusions The study provides evidence that the progression of hip OA affected stair walking; the performance time of 9S-ascent, 9S-ascent, and 9S-A/D tests was significantly longer as the severity of hip OA worsened. ROC analysis results show tests' ability to distinguish the cut-off point between different hip OA grades. However, further research is required for the reporting and classification of stair performance time values in hip OA patients and to further investigate the ability of 9S-ascent, 9S-descent, and 9S-A/D tests to predict the grade of hip OA.

A review of quality-of-life in elderly osteoarthritis

INTRODUCTION

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the commonest joint disease in the world. Although aging is not invariably associated with OA, aging of the musculoskeletal system increases susceptibility to OA. Pain and reduced function due to OA, negatively impact health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in the elderly.

AREAS COVERED

We searched PubMed and Google Scholar with search term "osteoarthritis' combined with terms 'elderly' 'ageing' 'healthrelated quality of life' 'burden' "prevalence 'hip osteoarthritis' 'knee osteoarthritis' 'hand osteoarthritis' to identify relevant articles. This article discusses the global impact and joint-specific burden due to OA and the challenges in assessment of HRQoL in elderly with OA. We further describe some HRQoL determinants that particularly impact elderly persons with OA. These determinants include physical activity, falls, psychosocial consequences, sarcopaenia, sexual health, and incontinence. The usefulness of physical performance measures, as an adjunct to assessing HRQoL is explored. The review concludes by outlining strategies to improve HRQoL.

EXPERT OPINION

Assessment of HRQoL in elderly with OA is mandatory if effective interventions/treatment are to be instituted. But existent HRQoL assessments have shortcomings when used in elderly§. It is recommended that determinants of QoL which are unique to the elderly, be examined with greater detail and weightage in future studies.

Comparison of Functional Recovery Between Unicompartmental and Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Comparisons of functional recovery between unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) using performance-based tests are lacking. Therefore, this study aimed to compare 2-minute walk test (2MWT) and Timed Up-and-Go test (TUG) results between UKA and TKA for isolated medial knee osteoarthritis (OA). We hypothesized that UKA yields faster functional recovery than TKA as measured with the 2MWT and TUG.

METHODS

We conducted a randomized controlled trial comparing medial UKA and TKA in patients with isolated medial knee OA. A total of 110 patients were enrolled; after 11 exclusions, 99 patients (50 UKA, 49 TKA) were included in the final analysis. The patients were tested using the 2MWT and TUG preoperatively and at 6 weeks, 3 and 6 months, and 1 and 2 years postoperatively. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) were also evaluated. The mean 2MWT, TUG, and PROM results were compared between groups at each time point.

RESULTS

The mean 2MWT distance after UKA was significantly longer than that after TKA at 6 weeks (96.5 ± 22.6 m for UKA compared with 81.1 ± 19.1 m for TKA; difference, 18 m [95% confidence interval (CI),10.4 to 25.6 m]; p < 0.001), 3 months (102.1± 24.4 compared with 87.5 ± 22.3 m; difference, 14.7 m [95% CI, 5.4 to 24.0 m]; p = 0.002), and 6 months (102.8 ± 16.2 compared with 89.6 ± 15.3 m; difference, 13.2 m [95% CI, 6.9 to 19.5 m]; p < 0.001). The values at 1 and 2 years were similar after UKA and TKA. The mean TUG after UKA was also significantly shorter than that after TKA at 6 weeks and 3 months. The mean PROMs were similar after both treatments, with the exception of the Oxford Knee Score and subscales of the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score at 6 weeks and 3 months postoperatively.

CONCLUSIONS

The 2MWT indicated that UKA for isolated medial knee OA enabled faster recovery than TKA did at 6 weeks to 6 months, and earlier recovery was also seen with the TUG at 6 weeks to 3 months. The 2MWT and TUG results after UKA and TKA were similar to one another at 1 and 2 years.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic Level I. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Validity of the Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI) recommended performance-based tests of physical function in individuals with symptomatic Kellgren and Lawrence grade 0-2 knee osteoarthritis

BACKGROUND

Performance-based physical tests have been widely used as objective assessments for individuals with knee osteoarthritis (KOA), and the core set of tests recommended by the Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI) aims to provide reliable, valid, feasible and standardized measures for clinical application. However, few studies have documented their validity in roentgenographically mild KOA. Our goal was to test the validity of five performance-based tests in symptomatic KOA patients with X-ray findings of Kellgren and Lawrence (K-L) grade 0-2.

METHODS

We recruited a convenience sample of thirty KOA patients from outpatient clinics and 30 age- and sex-matched asymptomatic controls from the community. They performed five OARSI-recommended physical tests and the KOA group answered the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities (WOMAC) Osteoarthritis Index. The tests included the 9-step stair-climbing test (9 s-SCT), timed up and go (TUG) test, 30-second chair-stand test (30sCST), 40-m fast walking-test (40MFPW) and 6-minute walking test (6MWT). The discriminant validity of these physical tests were assessed by comparisons between the KOA and control groups, receiver operating curve and multivariate logistic regression analysis. The convergent/divergent validity was assessed by correlation between the physical tests results and the three subscale scores of the WOMAC in the KOA group.

RESULTS

The KOA group had significantly worse performance than the control group. The percentage of difference was the largest in the 9 s-SCT (57.2%) and TUG tests (38.4%). Meanwhile, Cohen's d was above 1.2 for the TUG test and 6MWT (1.2 ~ 2.0), and between 0.8 and 1.2 for the other tests. The areas under the curve to discriminate the two groups were mostly excellent to outstanding, except for the 30sCST. Convergent validity was documented with a moderate correlation between the 9 s-SCT and the physical function (WOMAC-PF) subscale scores (Spearman's ρ = 0.60).

CONCLUSIONS

The OARSI recommended core set was generally highly discriminative between people with K-L grade 0-2 KOA and their controls, but convergent/divergent validity was observed only in the 9 s-SCT. Further studies are required to evaluate the responsiveness of these tests and understand the discordance of physical performance and self-reported measures.

Effectiveness of promotion and support for physical activity maintenance post total hip arthroplasty-study protocol for a pragmatic, assessor-blinded, randomized controlled trial (the PANORAMA trial)

Background

Total hip arthroplasty is considered an efficacious procedure for relieving pain and disability, but despite that objectively measured physical activity level remains unchanged compared to pre-surgery and is still considerably lower than that of a healthy age- and sex-matched population 6–12 months post-surgery. Since there is a graded relationship between physical activity level and functional performance, increasing physical activity may enhance the outcome of the procedure. This study aims to investigate whether promotion and support of physical activity initiated 3 months after total hip arthroplasty complementary to usual rehabilitation care can increase objective measured physical activity 6 months post-surgery.

Methods

The trial is designed as a pragmatic, parallel group, two-arm, assessor-blinded, superiority, randomized (1:1), controlled trial with post intervention follow-up 6 and 12 months after total hip arthroplasty. Home-dwelling, independent, and self-reliant patients with hip osteoarthritis are provisionally enrolled prior to surgery and re-screened about 2–3 months post-surgery to confirm eligibility. Baseline assessment is conducted 3 months post-surgery. Subsequently, patients (n=200) are randomized to either a 3-month, multimodal physical activity promotion/education intervention or control (no further attention). The intervention consists of face-to-face and telephone counselling, patient education material, pedometer, and step-counting journal. The primary outcome is objectively measured physical activity, specifically the proportion of patients that complete on average ≥8000 steps per day 6 months post-surgery. Secondary outcomes include core outcomes (i.e., physical function, pain, and patient global assessment) and health-related quality of life. Furthermore, we will explore the effect of the intervention on self-efficacy and outcome expectations (i.e., tertiary outcomes).

Discussion

By investigating the effectiveness of a pedometer-driven, face-to-face, and telephone-assisted counselling, behavior change intervention in complementary to usual rehabilitation, we hope to deliver applicable and generalizable knowledge to support physical activity after total hip arthroplasty and potentially enhance the outcome of the procedure.

Trial registration

www.clinicaltrials.govNCT04471532. Registered on July 15, 2020.

What tests should be used to assess functional performance in youth and young adults following anterior cruciate ligament or meniscal injury? A systematic review of measurement properties for the OPTIKNEE consensus

OBJECTIVES

To critically appraise and summarise measurement properties of functional performance tests in individuals following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) or meniscal injury.

DESIGN

Systematic review.

DATA SOURCES

Systematic searches were performed in Medline (Ovid), Embase (Ovid), CINAHL (EBSCO) and SPORTSDiscus (EBSCO) on 7 July 2021.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR SELECTING STUDIES

Studies evaluating at least one measurement property of a functional performance test including individuals following an ACL tear or meniscal injury with a mean injury age of ≤30 years. The COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments Risk of Bias checklist was used to assess methodological quality. A modified Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation assessed evidence quality.

RESULTS

Thirty studies evaluating 26 functional performance tests following ACL injury were included. No studies were found in individuals with an isolated meniscal injury. Included studies evaluated reliability (n=5), measurement error (n=3), construct validity (n=26), structural validity (n=1) and responsiveness (n=1). The Single Leg Hop and Crossover Hop tests showed sufficient intrarater reliability (high and moderate quality evidence, respectively), construct validity (low-quality and moderate-quality evidence, respectively) and responsiveness (low-quality evidence).

CONCLUSION

Frequently used functional performance tests for individuals with ACL or meniscal injury lack evidence supporting their measurement properties. The Single Leg Hop and Crossover Hop are currently the most promising tests following ACL injury. High-quality studies are required to facilitate stronger recommendations of performance-based outcomes following ACL or meniscal injury.

Physical functioning outcome measures in the lumbar spinal surgery population and measurement properties of the physical outcome measures: protocol for a systematic review

INTRODUCTION

Low back pain can lead to substantial decline in physical functioning. For disabling pain not responsive to conservative management, surgical intervention can enhance physical functioning. Measurements of physical functioning include patient-reported outcome measures and physical outcome measures using evaluations of impairments, performance on a standardised task or activity in a natural environment. Selecting outcome measures with adequate measurement properties is fundamental to evaluating effectiveness of interventions. The purpose of this systematic review is to identify outcome measures (patient reported and physical) used to evaluate physical functioning (stage 1) and assess the measurement properties of physical outcome measures of physical functioning (stage 2) in the lumbar spinal surgery population.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

This protocol aligns with the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN) guidelines and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols. Using a two-staged approach, searches will be performed in MEDLINE, EMBASE, Health and Psychosocial Instruments, CINAHL, Web of Science, Scopus, PEDro and the grey literature from inception until 15 December 2021. Stage 1 will identify studies evaluating physical functioning with patient-reported or physical outcome measures in the lumbar spinal surgery population. Stage 2 will search for studies evaluating measurement properties (validity, reliability, responsiveness) of the physical outcome measures identified in stage 1 in the lumbar spinal surgery population. Two independent reviewers will evaluate studies for inclusion, extract data, assess risk of bias (COSMIN risk of bias tool and checklist) and quality of evidence (modified Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach). Results for each measurement property per physical outcome measure will be quantitatively pooled if there is adequate clinical and methodological homogeneity or qualitatively synthesised if there is high heterogeneity in studies.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Ethics approval is not required. Results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journal publication and conference presentation.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42021293880.

Assessing functional recovery following total knee replacement surgery using objective classification of level gait data and patient-reported outcome measures

BACKGROUND

Patient recovery can be quantified objectively, via gait analysis, or subjectively, using patient reported outcome measures. Association between these measures would explain the level of disability reported in patient reported outcome measures and could assist with therapeutic decisions.

METHODS

Total knee replacement outcome was assessed using objective classification and patient-reported outcome measures (Knee Outcome Survey and Oxford Knee Scores). A classifier was trained to distinguish between healthy and osteoarthritic characteristics using knee kinematics, ground reaction force and temporal gait data, combined with anthropometric data from 32 healthy and 32 osteoarthritis knees. For the osteoarthritic cohort, classification of 20 subjects quantified changes at up to 3 timepoints post-surgery.

FINDINGS

Osteoarthritic classification was reduced for 17 subjects when comparing pre- to post-operative assessments, however only 6 participants achieved non-pathological classification and only 4 of these were classified as non-pathological at 12 months. In 15 cases, the level of osteoarthritic classification did not decrease between every post-operative assessment. For an individual's recovery, classification outputs correlated (r > 0.5) with knee outcome survey for 75% of patients and oxford knee score for 78% of patients (based on 20 and 9 subjects respectively). Classifier outputs from all visits of the combined total knee replacement sample correlated moderately with knee outcome survey (r > 0.4) and strongly with oxford knee score (r > 0.6).

INTERPRETATION

Biomechanical deficits existed in most subjects despite improvements in Patient Reported Outcome Measures, with larger changes reported subjectively as compared to measured objectively. Objective Classification provides additional insight alongside Patient Reported Outcomes when reporting recovered outcomes.

GaitSmart motion analysis compared to commonly used function outcome measures in the IMI-APPROACH knee osteoarthritis cohort

Background

There are multiple measures for assessment of physical function in knee osteoarthritis (OA), but each has its strengths and limitations. The GaitSmart® system, which uses inertial measurement units (IMUs), might be a user-friendly and objective method to assess function. This study evaluates the validity and responsiveness of GaitSmart® motion analysis as a function measurement in knee OA and compares this to Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), Short Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36), 30s chair stand test, and 40m self-paced walk test.

Methods

The 2-year Innovative Medicines Initiative—Applied Public-Private Research enabling OsteoArthritis Clinical Headway (IMI-APPROACH) knee OA cohort was conducted between January 2018 and April 2021. For this study, available baseline and 6 months follow-up data (n = 262) was used. Principal component analysis was used to investigate whether above mentioned function instruments could represent one or more function domains. Subsequently, linear regression was used to explore the association between GaitSmart® parameters and those function domains. In addition, standardized response means, effect sizes and t-tests were calculated to evaluate the ability of GaitSmart® to differentiate between good and poor general health (based on SF-36). Lastly, the responsiveness of GaitSmart® to detect changes in function was determined.

Results

KOOS, SF-36, 30s chair test and 40m self-paced walk test were first combined into one function domain (total function). Thereafter, two function domains were substracted related to either performance based (objective function) or self-reported (subjective function) function. Linear regression resulted in the highest R² for the total function domain: 0.314 (R² for objective and subjective function were 0.252 and 0.142, respectively.). Furthermore, GaitSmart® was able to distinguish a difference in general health status, and is responsive to changes in the different aspects of objective function (Standardized response mean (SRMs) up to 0.74).

Conclusion

GaitSmart® analysis can reflect performance based and self-reported function and may be of value in the evaluation of function in knee OA. Future studies are warranted to validate whether GaitSmart® can be used as clinical outcome measure in OA research and clinical practice.

Associations between Patient-Reported and Clinician-Reported Outcome Measures in Patients after Traumatic Injuries of the Lower Limb

Both clinician-reported outcome measures (CROMs) measures and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are applied to evaluate outcomes in rehabilitation settings. The previous data show only a low to moderate correlation between these measures. Relationships between functional performance measures (Clinician-Reported Outcome Measures, CROMs) and Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) were analysed in rehabilitation patients with traumatic injuries of the lower limb. A cohort of 315 patients with 3 subgroups (127 hip, 101 knee and 87 ankle region) was analysed before and after 3 weeks of inpatient rehabilitation. All three groups showed significant improvements in PROMs with low to moderate effect sizes. Moderate to high effect sizes were found for CROMs. Correlation coefficients between CROMs and PROMs were low to moderate. The performance consistency between PROMs and CROMs ranged from 56.7% to 64.1%. In this cohort of rehabilitation patients with traumatic injuries, CROMs showed higher effect sizes than PROMs. When used in combination, patient-reported outcome and performance measures contribute to collecting complementary information, enabling the practitioner to make a more accurate clinical evaluation of the patient’s condition.

Matching Perceived Physical Capacity and Work Demands: A New Classification of the Modified Spinal Function Sort (M-SFS)

Purpose The aims of this study were (1) to develop a new classification for the scores of the Modified Spinal Function Sort (M-SFS) which is related to the level of physical work demands and (2) to test the predictive value of the M-SFS classification. Methods The classification was carried out in 194 subjects with musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) attending a work-related medical rehabilitation from four rehabilitation centers. External criterion was a Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE)-based work capacity estimation according to the classification used in Germany ("REFA") which differentiates between light, light to medium, medium and heavy work. The optimal cut-offs for the M-SFS were allocated using the Youden index. Logistic regression models were calculated based on 147 subjects who participated in the follow-up survey to evaluate the predictive validity of the M-SFS classification with regard to sustainable return to work (RTW; employment at the 3-month follow-up combined with a low level of sick leave). Results Cut-offs for M-SFS scores were 44 (light work), 54 (light to medium work), 62 (medium work) and 73 (heavy work). A match between the M-SFS category and the level of physical work demands was associated with a more than threefold higher RTW chance compared to subjects with a negative discrepancy. In case the M-SFS category was above the physical demand level the RTW-chance was more than 13-fold higher. Conclusions M-SFS scores can be classified into four levels of physical work demands. If the perceived work capacity matches or exceeds the level of physical work demands patients with MSD have a substantially higher probability to return to work after rehabilitation. More studies are needed to confirm or reject our findings and overcome some of the weaknesses of this study.

The impact of graft type on rehabilitation outcomes following ACL reconstruction: Bone patellar tendon bone versus quadriceps tendon grafts

OBJECTIVE

The aims of this study were to 1) compare the dosage of physical therapy provided for patients following an anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACL-R) with either quadriceps or bone-patellar tendon-bone (BPTB) graft type and their resulting outcomes and 2) investigate the frequency therapists documented surgical graft type.

DESIGN

Retrospective observational.

SETTING

Outpatient orthopedics.

PARTICIPANTS

Data was collected from the electronic medical records of 212 patients: BPTB (41) and quadriceps tendon (33) were analyzed. Forty-eight cases were other graft types and 90 were unspecified.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

An independent samples t-test was used to compare differences in knee range of motion (ROM) and Knee Functional Status (FS) between BPTB and quadriceps grafts.

RESULTS

There were no differences in knee flexion (p = 0.148) or extension (p = 0.305) ROM between groups at discharge. The quadriceps group achieved greater improvement in functional outcomes (p < 0.001). The quadriceps group received more sessions (p = 0.021) and a longer duration of care (p = 0.007).

CONCLUSIONS

The significant difference in treatment dosage makes it difficult to conclude which graft is superior. It is unknown if the frequent omission of graft type in the patient chart is an indication of poor documentation practice or a lack of perceived importance in knowing the graft type for PT.

Understanding the Relationship Between Patient-Reported Function and Actual Function in the Upper Limb Prosthesis User Population: A Preliminary Study

Objective

To understand how perceived function relates to actual function at a specific stage in the rehabilitation process for the population using upper limb prostheses.

Design

Quantitative clinical descriptive study.

Setting

Clinical offices.

Participants

A sample of 61 participants (N=61; mean age, 43.0±12.8y; 51 male/10 female) with upper limb amputation who use a prosthetic device and were in the definitive stage of a prosthesis fitting process.

Interventions

Not applicable.

Main Outcome Measures

A patient-reported outcome measure, the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire (DASH), and 2 performance-based outcome measures, Box and Blocks Test (BBT) and Capacity Assessment of Prosthesis Performance for the Upper Limb (CAPPFUL), were used as variables in multiple linear regression models.

Results

The multiple linear regression models, which controlled for prosthesis type and amputation level, did not show evidence that changes in the independent variable (DASH) are significantly associated with changes in the dependent variables (log(BBT) (B=−0.007; 95% confidence interval [CI], −0.015 to 0.001; P=.0937) and CAPPFUL (B=−0.083, 95% CI, −0.374 to 0.208; P=.5623)). In both models, individuals with elbow, transhumeral (above elbow), and shoulder disarticulation showed a significant negative association with the dependent variable (CAPPFUL or logBBT). In the CAPPFUL model, there was a significant negative association with individuals using a hybrid prosthesis (B=−20.252; 95% CI, −36.562 to −3.942; P=.0170). In the logBBT model, there was a significant positive association with individuals using body-powered prostheses (B=0.430; 95% CI, 0.089-0.771; P=.0157).

Conclusions

Although additional data and analyses are needed to more completely assess the association between self-reported measures and performance-based measures of functional abilities, these preliminary results indicate that patient-reported outcomes alone may not provide a complete assessment of an upper limb prosthesis users’ functional ability and should be accompanied by population-specific performance-based measures.

Inkk Trial .Çô Intraoperative ketamine for perioperative pain management following total knee endoprosthetic replacement in oncology: a double-blinded randomized trial

BACKGROUND

There has been a growing interest in the use of ketamine following orthopedic surgeries. We hypothesized that low dose intravenous ketamine during surgery would help in mobilization following total knee replacement (TKR) in oncology patients as assessed by the timed to up and go (TUG) test at 72.áhours post-surgery. Our secondary objectives were to compare the opioid requirement at the end of 72.áhours, pain scores, satisfaction with pain management, adverse effects, range of joint movement achieved in the post-operative period and the functional recovery at the end of 1 month.

METHODS

After the ethics commitee approval, registration of the trial with the Clinical Trial Registry - India (CTRI), and informed consent, this double-blinded trial was conducted. Using computer generated randomization chart, an independent team randomized the patients into ketamine group which received at induction, a ketamine bolus dose of 0.5.ámg.kg^-1 before the incision followed by 10.á..g.kg^-1min^-1 infusion which was maintained intraoperatively till skin closure and the saline group received an equivalent volume of saline. Postoperatively, patient controlled morphine pumps were attached and the pain score with morphine usage were recorded for 72.áhours. The TUG tests and range of motion were assessed by the physiotherapists until 72.áhours.

RESULTS

Fifty-two patients were enrolled in the trial. Demographics were comparable. No significant intraoperative hemodynamic changes and post-operative adverse events were noted between the groups. A decrease in the TUG test, along with decreased opioid usage with a better range of movements was noted in the ketamine group, but this was not statistically significant. Day of discharge, patient satisfaction score, and functional recovery assessed by Oxford Knee Score (OKS) were comparable between the groups.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, low dose intraoperative ketamine infusion does not provide clinical benefit in perioperative pain management and postoperative rehabilitation following total knee endoprosthetic replacement in oncology.

Modified Harris Hip Score as patient-reported outcome measure in osteoarthritic patients: psychometric properties of the Greek version

INTRODUCTION

This study explored the psychometric properties of the modified Harris Hip Score-Greek version (mHHS-Gr) as a patient-reported outcome (PRO) measure in osteoarthritic hip patients.

METHODS

Internal consistency, test-retest reliability and reproducibility were evaluated in 90 patients aged >55 years. Construct validity was tested against Greek versions of the Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS-Greek) and WOMAC Index (WOMAC-Gr), and the Timed Up and Go (TUG) and 9-stairs-ascend/descend (9S-A/D) tests. Known-groups validity was examined using TUG score (cut-off 13.5 s) as an estimate variable. Responsiveness was examined before and 4 weeks after direct anterior minimal invasive surgery.

RESULTS

Reliability: Internal consistency was moderate (Cronbach's a = 0.614, p < 0.001). Test-retest reliability was excellent (ICC = 0.881, 95% CI, 0.824-0.920). Reproducibility: Floor and ceiling effects were both 1.1%; measurement error was 3.54 (p < 0.05); minimal important change was lower than minimal detectable change.Validity: mHHS-Gr correlated strongly with both LEFS-Greek and WOMAC-Gr (Pearson's r 0.801 and -0.783, respectively; p < 0.001). The questionnaire's correlations with TUG and 9S-A/D were also significant but moderate (Spearman's ρ: -0.547 and -0.575, respectively; p < 0.001). Known-groups validity showed that mHHS-Gr scores were significantly higher in participants with TUG < 13.5 seconds than in those with TUG > 13.5 seconds (p < 0.001). In ROC analysis, the cut-off point of 52.5 yielded sensitivity 81% and specificity 71%.Responsiveness: Standardised response mean and Guyatt's responsiveness statistic were greater than 0.8.

DISCUSSION

mHHS-Gr showed significant moderate to excellent reliability, significant moderate to strong validity properties and excellent responsiveness. Overall, mHHS-Gr could be a reliable and valid PRO measure for assessing patients with osteoarthritis of the hip.

Comparison of patient- and clinician-reported outcome measures in lower back rehabilitation: introducing a new integrated performance measure (t2D)

Purpose

Patient- and clinician-reported outcome measures (PROMs, CROMs) are used in rehabilitation to evaluate and track the patient’s health status and recovery. However, controversy still exists regarding their relevance and validity when assessing a change in health status.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the changes in a CROM (Fingertip-To-Floor Test – FTF) and PROMs (ODI, HAQ-DI, NPRS, EQ5D) and the associations between these outcomes in 395 patients with lower back pain (57.2 ± 11.8 years, 49.1% female). We introduced a new way to measure and classify outcome performance using a distribution-based approach (t2D). Outcome measures were assessed at baseline and after 21 days of inpatient rehabilitation.

Results

Overall, the rehabilitation (Cohens d = 0.94) resulted in a large effect size outcome. Medium effect sizes were observed for FTF (d = 0.70) and PROMs (d > 0.50). Best performance rating was observed for pain (NPRS). We found that 13.9% of patients exhibited a deterioration in the PROMs, but only 2.3%, in the FTF. The correlation between the PROMs and FTF were low to moderate, with the highest identified for HAQ-DI (rho = 0.30–0.36); no significant correlations could be shown for changes. High consistency levels were observed among the performance scores (t2D) in 68.9% of the patients.

Conclusions

Different and complementary assessment modalities of PROMs and CROMs can be used as valuable tools in the clinical setting. Results from both types of measurements and individual performance assessments in patients provide a valid basis for the meaningful interpretation of the patients’ health outcomes.

Trial registration. This clinical study was entered retrospectively on August 14, 2020 into the German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS, registration number: DRKS00022854).

Knee osteoarthritis: key treatments and implications for physical therapy

BACKGROUND

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic progressive disease that imparts a substantial socioeconomic burden to society and healthcare systems. The prevalence of knee OA has dramatically risen in recent decades due to consistent increases in life expectancy and obesity worldwide. Patient education, physical exercise, and weight loss (for overweight or obese individuals) constitute the first-line knee OA treatment approach. However, less than 40% of patients with knee OA receive this kind of intervention. There is an unmet need for healthcare professionals treating individuals with knee OA to understand the current recommended treatment strategies to provide effective rehabilitation.

OBJECTIVE

To guide physical therapists in their clinical decision making by summarizing the safest and most efficacious treatment options currently available, and by delineating the most traditional outcome measures used in clinical research for knee OA.

CONCLUSION

There is a need for healthcare providers to abandon low-quality and ineffective treatments and educate themselves and their patients about the current best evidence-based practices for knee OA.

Criterion validity of The International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF) for use in clinical practice in patients with osteoarthritis

BACKGROUND

To tailor physical activity treatment programs for patients with osteoarthritis, clinicians need valid and feasible measurement tools to evaluate habitual physical activity. The widely used International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF) is not previously validated in patients with osteoarthritis.

PURPOSE

To assess the concurrent criterion validity of the IPAQ-SF in patients with osteoarthritis, using an accelerometer as a criterion-method.

METHOD

Patients with osteoarthritis (n = 115) were recruited at The Division of Rheumatology and Research at Diakonhjemmet Hospital (Oslo, Norway). Physical activity was measured by patients wearing an accelerometer (ActiGraph wGT3X-BT) for seven consecutive days, followed by reporting their physical activity for the past 7 days using the IPAQ-SF. Comparison of proportions that fulfilled physical activity recommendations as measured by the two methods were tested by Pearson Chi-Square analysis. Differences in physical activity levels between the IPAQ-SF and the accelerometer were analyzed with Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test and Spearman rank correlation test. Bland-Altman plots were used to visualize the concurrent criterion validity for total- and intensity-specific physical activity levels.

RESULTS

In total, 93 patients provided complete physical activity data, mean (SD) age was 65 (8.7) years, 87% were women. According to the IPAQ-SF, 57% of the patients fulfilled the minimum physical activity recommendations compared to 31% according to the accelerometer (p = 0.043). When comparing the IPAQ-SF to the accelerometer we found significant under-reporting of total physical activity MET-minutes (p = < 0.001), sitting (p = < 0.001) and walking (p < 0.001), and significant over-reporting of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (p < 0.001). For the different physical activity levels, correlations between the IPAQ-SF and the accelerometer ranged from rho 0.106 to 0.462. The Bland-Altman plots indicated an increased divergence between the two methods with increasing time spent on moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity.

CONCLUSION

Physical activity is a core treatment of osteoarthritis. Our finding that patients tend to over-report activity of higher intensity and under-report low-intensity activity and sitting-time is of clinical importance. We conclude that the concurrent criterion validity of the IPAQ-SF was weak in patients with osteoarthritis.

Timed Up and Go: Reference Values for Community-Dwelling Older Adults with and without Arthritis and Non-Communicable Diseases: The Tromsø Study

Purpose

The Timed Up and Go (TUG) test is used to assess a person’s mobility and balance. We aimed to provide updated reference values for TUG performance for the community-dwelling older population according to age and sex, and according to the presence of arthritis and non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

Participants and Methods

Cross-sectional data from the seventh wave (2015–2016) of the population-based Norwegian Tromsø Study counting 5400 community-dwelling people (53% women), aged 60–84 years were used. Reference values were presented as percentiles and means for men and women by age at five-year intervals.

Results

Median TUG score was stable during age 60–65 years, and after age 65 years median TUG score increased significantly with age (increase by 0.14 sec per 1 year higher age in both men and women, p<0.001). At the youngest ages (<65 years), in both men and women, there were no differences in TUG performance for those with NCD or arthritis compared to those without these diseases. After age 65 however, those without these diseases performed significantly better (p<0.05) in both men and women.

Conclusion

The present study provided percentile reference values for TUG performance in community-dwelling older adults in Norway by age and sex, and in subgroups of those having arthritis and NCDs. TUG scores increased with age, and performance was significantly poorer among participants with arthritis or NCDs after age 65 years. The findings may guide clinical interventions for individuals with mobility and balance disabilities.

Do Knee Osteoarthritis Patterns Affect Patient-Reported Outcomes in Total Knee Arthroplasty? Results From an International Multicenter Prospective Study With 3-Year Follow-Up

BACKGROUND

The aim of this multicenter study is to answer (1) Does patellofemoral osteoarthritis (OA) affect preoperative Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) scores in total knee arthroplasty (TKA)? and (2) Do different OA patterns affect preoperative and postoperative KOOS scores in TKA?

METHODS

This international, multicenter prospective study examined 384 TKA patients. Compartmental OA was divided into (1) medial, (2) medial + patellofemoral, (3) lateral, (4) lateral + patellofemoral, (5) medial + lateral (bicompartmental), and (6) medial + lateral + patellofemoral (tricompartmental), based on preoperative anterior-posterior and lateral ± skyline radiographs with Kellgren-Lawrence grade III-IV and joint space width <2.5 mm. KOOS was collected preoperatively, 1 year postoperatively, and 3 years postoperatively. Higher KOOS score represented better clinical state, for example, higher KOOS Pain score indicated less pain.

RESULTS

Patellofemoral OA had no effect on preoperative KOOS scores (P > .15). Compared to medial ± patellofemoral OA patients, bicompartmental/tricompartmental OA patients had less preoperative pain (KOOS Pain 7.4, P = .03) and higher daily function (KOOS-ADL [Activities of Daily Living] 7.1, P = .05), and higher 1-year postoperative daily function (KOOS-ADL 9.2, P = .03) and sports activity (KOOS Sports & Recreation Function 15.0, P = .04), while lateral ± patellofemoral OA patients had more symptoms (KOOS-Symptoms 7.0, P < .01), more pain (KOOS-Pain 7.5, P = .01), lower daily function (KOOS-ADL 9.3, P < .01), and lower quality of life (KOOS-QOL 9.0, P = .04), at 3 years postoperatively.

CONCLUSION

Patellofemoral OA does not affect medial ± lateral OA patients' preoperative KOOS scores, challenging the importance of patellofemoral OA in TKA. Lateral ± patellofemoral OA patients have lower postoperative KOOS scores than medial/more progressed compartmental OA patients, indicating that patients with less common OA patterns present with unique surgical challenges. Further development of indications for and correct timing of TKA surgery in different patient subgroups is needed.

Physical Performance Tests Provide Distinct Information in Both Predicting and Assessing Patient-Reported Outcomes Following Lumbar Spine Surgery

STUDY DESIGN

Secondary analysis of randomized controlled trial data.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to examine whether preoperative physical performance is an independent predictor of patient-reported disability and pain at 12 months after lumbar spine surgery.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are commonly used to assess clinical improvement after lumbar spine surgery. However, there is evidence in the orthopedic literature to suggest that PROMs should be supplemented with physical performance tests to accurately evaluate long-term outcomes.

METHODS

A total of 248 patients undergoing surgery for degenerative lumbar spine conditions were recruited from two institutions. Physical performance tests (5-Chair Stand and Timed Up and Go) and PROMs of disability (Oswestry Disability Index: ODI) and back and leg pain (Brief Pain Inventory) were assessed preoperatively and at 12 months after surgery.

RESULTS

Physical performance tests and PROMs significantly improved over 12 months following lumbar spine surgery (P < 0.01). Weak correlations were found between physical performance tests and disability and pain (ρ = 0.15 to 0.32, P < 0.05). Multivariable regression analyses controlling for age, education, preoperative outcome score, fusion, previous spine surgery, depressive symptoms, and randomization group found that preoperative 5-Chair Stand test was significantly associated with disability and back pain at 12-month follow-up. Each additional 10 seconds needed to complete the 5-Chair Stand test were associated with six-point increase in ODI (P = 0.047) and one-point increase in back pain (P = 0.028) scores. The physical performance tests identified an additional 14% to 19% of patients as achieving clinical improvement that were not captured by disability or pain questionnaires.

CONCLUSION

Results indicate that physical performance tests may provide distinct information in both predicting and assessing clinical outcomes in patients undergoing lumbar spine surgery. Our findings suggest that the 5-Chair Stand test may be a useful test to include within a comprehensive risk assessment before surgery and as an outcome measure at long-term follow-up.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

3.

The Impact of Self-Efficacy on Activity Limitations in Patients With Hip Osteoarthritis: Results From a Cross-Sectional Study

Objective

Pain and activity limitations are the main health complaints in osteoarthritis. We explored pathways between pain and activity limitations in a chain mediation model that involved self‐efficacy, physical activity behavior, and muscle function in patients with hip osteoarthritis not awaiting hip replacement.

Methods

We used cross‐sectional, baseline data from a randomized controlled trial on 152 patients with clinical hip osteoarthritis according to the American College of Rheumatology not awaiting hip replacement. The associations between pain, self‐efficacy, self‐reported physical activity, muscle function (leg extensor power), and activity limitations (performance‐based and self‐reported activity limitation outcomes) were modeled using structural equation models.

Results

The effect of pain on performance‐based activity limitation was fully mediated by self‐efficacy, physical activity, and muscle function. Of the total effect of self‐efficacy on performance‐based activity limitation, the direct effect accounted for 63% (95% CI: 45%‐82%), whereas the indirect effect via physical activity constituted 16% (95% CI: 1%‐30%) and the indirect effect via muscle function constituted 21% (95% CI: 9%‐32%). In contrast, physical activity and muscle function had no effect on self‐reported activity limitations, whereas pain had a direct effect and an indirect effect mediated by self‐efficacy.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that self‐efficacy should be taken into consideration in prevention and treatment of activity limitations in patients with hip osteoarthritis not awaiting hip replacement. Coupling exercise with programs of self‐efficacy enhancement could potentially increase the positive effects of exercise.

Effects of types and degrees of ankylosing spondylitis hip structural damages on post-total hip arthroplasty outcome measurements

To determine the effects of ankylosing spondylitis (AS)-associated hip damages on the outcome measurements after total hip arthroplasty (THA).The medical records of 122 patients with AS (181 hips) who underwent THA were retrospectively reviewed. The mean follow-up was 43.9 (32-129) months. The types and degrees of hip damages were evaluated by preoperative hip X-rays. The patients were grouped according to the satisfaction degree after the operation. Univariable and multivariable statistical analyses were conducted.The intraclass correlation coefficients for the assessment between the 2 reviewers in the study were 0.86 to 0.97. Cox regression showed that femoral head erosion severity had an effect on the recovery time of independent walking without crutches postoperatively (odds ratio = 1.467, 95% confidence interval: 1.050-2.409, P = .025). The mean time to recover independent walking in the severe femoral head erosion group was 7.3 ± 0.9 weeks, which was 4.6 ± 0.4 weeks longer than in the non-severe femoral head erosion group, as confirmed by the log-rank (Mantel-Cox) test (Chi-squared = 11.684, P = .001). The multivariable analysis showed that higher acetabular sclerosis scores correlated with lower postoperative dissatisfaction risk (odds ratio = 0.322, 95% confidence interval: 0.136-0.764). The multiple linear regression analysis showed that postoperative range of motion (ROM) improvement was affected by preoperative ROM of the hip, space narrowing degree, and ceramic-ceramic material for the weight-bearing surface (F = 179.81, P < .001), with preoperative ROM of the hip having the greatest impact.Severe femoral head erosion prolongs the recovery time of independent walking after THA. Acetabular sclerosis is not associated with poor outcomes in patients with AS-associated hip damage undergoing THA.

Patient-reported outcomes of 7133 distal femoral, patellar, and proximal tibial fracture patients: A national cross-sectional study with one-, three-, and five-year follow-up

BACKGROUND

Few studies have described patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) in knee fracture patients. We reported knee-specific and generic median PROM scores after knee fracture and identified risk factors for poor outcome defined by low median PROM scores.

METHODS

In a Danish cross-sectional study of 7133 distal femoral, patellar, and proximal tibial fracture patients during 2011-2017, OKS, FJS-12, EQ5D-5L Index, and EQ5D-5L Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), were collected electronically (response rate 53%; median age 60; 63% female). Poor outcome was defined as score lower than median PROM score. Poor outcome risk factors were estimated as odds ratios from binary logistic regression models.

RESULTS

At 0 to one year after knee fracture, median PROM scores were 31 (OKS), 27 (FJS-12), 0.50 (EQ5D-5L Index), and 74 (EQ5D-5L VAS). At >5 years after knee fracture, median OKS score was 40, median FJS-12 score was 54, median EQ5D-5L Index was 0.76, and median EQ5D-5L VAS score was 80. Age > 40 years had higher odds for poor OKS and FJS-12 scores at short- and long-term follow-up after knee fracture. Comorbidity burden, distal femoral fracture, and treatment with external fixation and knee arthroplasty were risk factors for poor outcome at long-term follow-up, for all four PROMs.

CONCLUSIONS

Although knee fracture patients have relatively high knee function and quality of life, their ability to forget about the knee joint after knee fracture is compromised. We identified several important risk factors for poor outcome measured by PROMs at different follow-up periods following knee fracture, which will help direct future quality-improvement initiatives.

Observational Study: Predictors of a Successful Functional Outcome in Persons Who Receive Physical Therapy for Knee Osteoarthritis

A retrospective design was employed to determine what factors are predictive of achieving a successful outcome for individuals with knee osteoarthritis following an episode of physical therapy. Success was defined as achieving the minimum clinically important difference with the change in the lower extremity functional scale (LEFS). Receiving guideline adherent care was hypothesized to increase odds of success. Data for treatment interventions, health care utilization, patient characteristics, and LEFS scores were collected from electronic health records from 2014-2018 across 34 outpatient clinics. The sample (N = 706) was primarily female, White, and older adults. Receiving guideline adherent care did not predict odds of achieving success. Patient age, initial LEFS score, opioid prescription, number of visits, and Medicare/Medicaid insurance were predictive of the outcome. Increasing age after 65 years predicted decreased odds of success. Older adults showed improved odds with an opioid prescription and with increased number of visits from two through 18 therapy sessions. Opportunities exist for further health services research on optimal management of knee OA, including underutilization of physical therapy (only 6% in this study), measuring adherence to CPGs, determining recommended intensity for interventions, and the effects of non-physical therapy interventions such as opioid use on outcomes.

Racial Differences in Performance-Based Function and Potential Explanatory Factors Among Individuals With Knee Osteoarthritis

OBJECTIVE

In individuals with knee osteoarthritis (OA), self-reported physical function is poorer in African Americans than in whites, but whether this difference holds true for objective assessments is unclear. The purpose of this study was to examine racial differences in performance-based physical function as well as potential underlying factors contributing to these racial differences.

METHODS

Participants with knee OA from a randomized controlled trial completed the 2-minute step test (2MST), timed-up-and-go (TUG), and 30-second chair stand (30s-CST) at baseline. Race differences in performance-based function were assessed by logistic regression. Separate models were adjusted for sets of demographic, socioeconomic, psychological health, and physical health variables.

RESULTS

In individuals with knee OA (n = 322; 72% women, 22% African American, mean ± SD age 66 ± 11 years, mean ± SD body mass index 31 ± 8 kg/m2 ), African Americans (versus whites) had greater unadjusted odds of poorer function (30s-CST odds ratio [OR] 2.79 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.65-4.72], 2MST OR 2.37 [95% CI 1.40-4.03], and TUG OR 3.71 [95% CI 2.16-6.36]). Relationships were maintained when adjusted for demographic and psychological health covariates, but they were either partially attenuated or nonsignificant when adjusted for physical health and socioeconomic covariates.

CONCLUSION

African American adults with knee OA had poorer unadjusted performance-based function than whites. Physical health and socioeconomic characteristics diminished these differences, emphasizing the fact that these factors may be important to consider in mitigating racial disparities in function.