Pain, Quality of Life, Proprioception and Physical Function in Patient With Knee Osteoarthritis: Comparison of Different Grades

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the differences in pain, quality of life and functional status of individuals with Knee Osteoarthritis (KOA) between grades. The study included 90 patients with different grades (Grades 1, 2, and 3) of KOA. The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score-Physical Function Shortform (KOOS-PS), Short Form Health (SF-12), Oxford Knee Score (OKS) and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scales were applied. Timed Up and Go test (TUG), Five Times Sit to Stand Test (5STS), Stair Climb Test (SCT), 6-minute Walking Test (6MWT) and proprioception measurements were performed for functional assessments. Foot Posture Index (FPI-6), Navicular Drop Test (NDT) and Foot Function Index (FFI) tests were used for foot posture evaluations. In the functional tests performed in the study, a significant decrease in test performance was observed in the 6MWT and SCT tests as the grade level increased (P<0.05). In TUG and 5STS tests, a significant decrease in performance was detected only in Grade 3 compared to other grades (P<0.05). Similarly, there were significant differences between the grades in all scales applied (P<0.05). In proprioception evaluations, similar medians were found between sides (P>0.05). In FFI averages, significant differences were found especially in pain (P=0.036) and insufficiency (P=0.008) parameters compared to grade 3. This study revealed noticeable differences in knee scores, pain, quality of life scales and functional tests at different stages of KOA. These differences were generally negative as grade levels increased. However, consistent with previous research, conflicting results were identified, emphasizing the need for a nuanced understanding of KOA.